The last thing vapers want to see is a drained battery or even worse, signs that their battery is degrading. Luckily there are a few things you can do to preserve battery life and maximise your charging experience.
From safety tips to ways to make your battery last longer, we’ve got everything you need to know in our vape battery guide.
What is a vape battery?
A vape relies on its battery to activate the coil within the tank or pod, which heats the e-liquid to produce vapour. Batteries come in various types, including internal and external, and offer a range of power levels and features to cater to different preferences.
The battery is crucial for ensuring the vape operates efficiently, providing the necessary energy for a satisfying vaping experience.
Understanding vape battery types
With such a wide selection of battery types on offer, it’s a great idea to get a basic understanding of a few of the key differences between them.
Internal vs. external batteries
While the vast majority of vape kits have internal batteries, some advanced devices offer the option of an external battery.
All starter and pod kits have the battery built-in for convenience. These batteries are small and lightweight, which helps to make the devices perfectly portable.
However, internal batteries are more limited in the amount of power they can supply, and some advanced vapers prefer the higher power levels offered by external batteries, even though they are bigger and heavier.
External batteries can be removed from the device, which allows them to be switched when they need charging. Many vapers who use external batteries will keep a couple of sets of batteries, so while one set is on charge they can use the other, without the need to wait.
What are lithium-ion batteries?
By far, the most popular battery type used in vapes are lithium-ion batteries, also known as li-ion batteries. Commonly found in many portable electronics, including mobile phones, tablets, and laptop computers, li-ion batteries are rechargeable and are known for how lightweight and small they are. They also last for a very long time compared to other rechargeable options.
Li-ion batteries work by moving lithium ions from negative to positive when the batteries are being used, then back again once they’re being charged. Their design allows for hundreds of discharge and recharge cycles with minimal degradation, making them ideal for electronics which are used daily and require frequent charging.
High drain vs standard drain
You’ll also come across some different drain types for batteries. A battery’s drain is the rate at which it is discharging power. It’s always important to match the capability of a battery to the needs of the device it is powering. The average li-ion battery has a standard drain and is suitable for most vapes.
If you are interested in sub-ohm vaping, then a high drain battery might be needed. High drain batteries have fewer limitations on them and can offer a higher continuous drain, which can be useful for powering low resistance coils. Some standard drain batteries are too limited to be used with advanced sub-ohm kits and it is very important not to push the limits of a battery.
Common battery sizes
When it comes to external batteries, the most common size is an 18650 battery although 21700 batteries are also a popular choice. Some devices will come with a battery sleeve that allows you to use different sized batteries depending on your preferences.
For a more in-depth exploration of the various options available, be sure to check out our guide to the different types of vape batteries.
Vape battery safety
Whether you choose a vape with an internal battery or you’re looking to up the power with a removable option, it’s always essential to make sure you’re following safety advice. Batteries should be handled with care and charged sensibly.
Top safety tips include:
- Avoid temperature extremes. For example, don’t charge your battery or vape in direct sunlight or on top of a radiator
- Don’t leave vapes/batteries charging unattended or overnight
- Avoid getting your battery wet and never plug a wet battery or vape in to charge
- Use the charging cable that came with the device where possible, while a battery bay charger is recommended for external batteries
- Don’t use fast charging cables or plugs, as they can provide too much power and short the battery
- Always dispose of external batteries if they show any signs of damage. Likewise, bulging in a vape kit could be a sign of an internal battery swelling
- External batteries must be stored in a plastic or silicone sleeve or case to avoid them coming into contact with any metallic items which could cause them to vent
For more details, be sure to read our guide to vape battery safety and voltage.
Maximising battery lifespan
Another priority for batteries is making sure they last as long as possible. In addition to keeping your battery safe and dry, you can maximise its lifespan by carrying out best practice changing.
A good charging cycle provides the optimal experience for a battery and ensures it lasts longer. The most important things to remember are:
- Always try to allow the device/batteries to reach a full charge before removing them from charge
- Avoid allowing your battery to drain completely before charging. A deep discharge is when your battery is completely depleted, and this can cause the battery to degrade more quickly
- Keep battery contacts clean to ensure a better connection. Cleaning battery contacts can be done with a cotton swab or tissue, avoid using water or cleaning products
- Batteries/vapes should be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use, away from direct sunlight. A plastic or silicone sleeve can help to protect external batteries
Choosing the right vape battery
You will only ever need to choose a vape battery when you’re using an advanced vape with an external battery. Starter kits and pod kits will have an internal battery that can’t be removed.
When it comes to external batteries, the most important thing is to check whether a battery is compatible with your vaping device or not. You should find this information included in the instruction manual for your vape. Or you can get in touch with the manufacturer or the knowledgeable staff at your local Evapo store.
Be sure to also consider battery capacity in relation to your desired battery life. The higher the mAh of the battery, the longer it is likely to last. We also recommend investing in a battery bay charger for external batteries to help them last as long as possible and optimise charging.
Vape battery FAQs
Is it okay to leave my vape battery charging overnight?
It is not recommended to keep your vape battery charging overnight. While most devices and battery bay chargers have overcharge protection, it is not advised to leave batteries charging unsupervised. The safest option is to keep an eye on any battery you are charging.
How can I make my vape battery last longer?
To help maximise the lifespan of your vape battery, always allow it to reach a full charge, lock or turn off the device when not in use, use a lower power setting and don’t let the battery fully drain before recharging. Also, if the device has light features that can be turned off, this can help preserve battery life.
Where can I safely dispose of old vape batteries?
All of our Evapo retail stores have battery recycling points where you can leave external batteries or old vape kits with internal batteries, we will be happy to safely dispose of your old vape batteries for you. Battery recycling points can also usually be found in electronics stores and supermarkets.
How long does a vape battery typically last?
How long a vape battery lasts can vary a lot depending on a number of factors, including how much you use your vape and how well you maintain the battery. Batteries can last anywhere from 6 – 18 months but on average, most last around a year before they start to show signs of degradation (for example, that’s when you might notice they’re not holding a charge as well as they once did).
If you have any questions on vape batteries or need some help choosing the right battery or device for you, pop in to your local Evapo store or reach out to our Customer Service team and we will be more than happy to help.
