The batteries that power your vape device work hard, but you can help them last longer with a few handy tips for maximising battery life. We’ll also cover some essential safety advice as well as useful information about battery voltages and types in our guide to looking after vape batteries.
Battery types and voltages: the basics
There are three main types of batteries that are used in vape kits:
- Single-use batteries – these batteries are built-in to the device and cannot be recharged or replaced. They are used in disposable vapes and will last for the duration of the use of the vape before the entire device will need to be disposed of.
- Internal batteries – these are often referred to as ‘built-in’ or ‘integrated’ batteries and can be recharged whenever needed but cannot be removed from the device. These are most commonly found in starter kits, pod kits, and some intermediate kits.
- External vape batteries – these batteries can be removed from the device to be replaced or recharged, and are most commonly found in intermediate and advanced vape kits and vape mods.
Choosing battery voltage
Most new vapers will not need to look at the voltage of the device when choosing a vape kit, as it is more of a focus for advanced vapers who are using external batteries. This is because devices with built-in batteries already contain a battery that is of the correct voltage, and they cannot be removed or replaced.
It is primarily when purchasing external batteries for a device that voltage is a consideration. Modern vape kits have a variety of built-in safety features which protect against things like low voltage, which means that if the voltage of the battery is too low the device will not fire. This helps to both prevent damage to the battery and to make sure you can use the device safely.
External batteries come in different sizes, most commonly 18650, 20700 and 21700, but most have a very similar voltage with a nominal voltage at around 3.7V and maximum voltage around 4.2V.
We recommend always purchasing your batteries from reputable retailers to ensure that you are getting genuine batteries that are safe for use in your vape and have the appropriate voltage. It’s important that if your device takes two external batteries, you use two of the same batteries with the same voltage and amperage, and you keep the batteries paired for the duration of their life so they drain equally.
Considering battery capacity
Battery voltage, wattage and battery capacity aren’t the same thing. Technically, the voltage is a measure of potential energy between two points, simplified as the pressure that pushes the electricity. Much of the information around voltage is really only relevant to external batteries as most modern vape kits focus on wattage not voltage. Wattage is a measure of battery power, while the capacity is how much charge it can hold. This is measured in Milliampere hours, represented as mAh, and battery capacity is primarily a focus for those using a device with a built-in battery.
In simple terms, the mAh of a battery helps to indicate how long it can keep the device powered between charges, but there are actually a number of factors to consider. For example, a 1000 mAh battery used in a device with a low wattage setting may last just as long as a 2000 mAh battery in a device with a higher wattage setting, as a higher wattage means more power is being used. For this reason, devices with lower wattage outputs like starter kits and pod systems tend to have lower capacity batteries than advanced vape kits which offer high wattage outputs.
If the device has a built-in battery, the manufacturer usually aims for the battery to last the average vaper for a full day of vaping, and so the mAh of the battery will be reflective of this. In general, if you are looking for a device that can keep up with you through long days, the mAh of the devices is an important consideration when choosing which one to buy.
How to charge your vape battery safely
How you charge your vape battery will depend on the kind of device you use, but there are some key things to bear in mind when it comes to battery safety.
Safety tips for devices with built-in batteries
- Most starter kit and pod system e-cigarettes have a built-in lithium-ion battery, and can be easily recharged using a charger cable which is almost always provided with the device.
- We always recommend that you use the charging cable that comes with your device and that you read the instructions and advice in the user manual included with your vape.
- If you are using a wall plug rather than connecting to a device like a laptop via the USB port, it’s important to use one with an output of one amp or under. This is because too much power can quickly degrade the battery or even cause it to overheat. Always check the amperage of the wall plug you intend to use, as many mobile phone and fast charging plugs have too high of an amperage for charging vape kits.
- It is also essential that you never leave your vape charging unattended on a flammable surface like a pillow or blanket, somewhere it can get wet or in direct sunlight.
Safety tips for devices with external batteries
More advanced devices have external batteries rather than internal ones, this means the batteries can be removed and recharged when needed. This allows you to carry a spare set of batteries for times when you may not have a chance to recharge between uses.
- It is possible to charge rechargeable batteries within the device using the USB cable, but it is recommended to charge them in a battery bay charger outside of the device as this will help with the longevity of the batteries and is a safer way to charge them.
- If you are carrying spare batteries with you when out and about, be sure to always store them in a battery case or silicone sleeve. Not only could loose batteries get damaged, but if they come into contact with metallic items this can cause the battery to vent and can be very dangerous.
- Keep an eye on the wrapping that encases your batteries and if you notice any tears, rips or damage, stop using those batteries straight away. It is very dangerous to use a battery once the wrap has been compromised.
- Do not continue using batteries that show any signs or rust or corrosion.
- Dispose of damaged batteries safely at your nearest battery disposal bin, usually found in local shops and supermarkets, and also in your local Evapo store.
Charging at the correct voltage
When recharging batteries, you want to make sure you’re not exceeding their voltage. To know what voltage your vape should be charged at, be sure to read the instructions that come with it. The voltage can vary depending on the battery used in your vape device.
The best way to make sure you’re not exceeding voltage is to use the cables or plug included. Even chargers that look similar may not be the same and could offer a different voltage. If you don’t have the original charger that came with the battery, be sure to check the input voltage of the battery and choose a charger with the same voltage output. Using an incorrect voltage can, in rare cases, cause a battery to overheat and potentially ignite.
The majority of lithium-ion vape batteries have been designed with overcharge protection to help avoid issues such as this – just another reason to ensure you’re always buying genuine batteries.
How often to charge your vape battery
How frequently you need to charge your vape battery will depend on how often you use it as well as the length and frequency of your inhales, and the wattage setting you are using in the case of variable wattage devices.
The type of coil you use in your vape also makes a difference. If you use a low resistance coil, for example, you will use more power and this will drain the battery more quickly.
It is recommended that you do not allow your vape battery to completely drain before charging where possible, as this will help to keep the battery healthy for longer. Most vape kits are designed to last the average vaper for a full day of vaping, and one of the best ways to maintain the life of your battery is to charge it often.
How long a vape battery lasts
The lifespan of a vape battery is hard to predict as it changes depending on how often you vape and how well you look after your battery. On average, manufacturers recommend that vape batteries can last anywhere from 200 – 500 cycles, or 6 – 12 months, before there is a noticeable change in the capacity. This means that the device or batteries will not last as long between charges and will need to be charged much more frequently, so you will likely want to think about a replacement.
You’ll find a few tips for preserving your battery life below.
How to keep your vape battery safe
Making sure you charge your vape battery safely is one of the best things you can do to prolong its life, but there are a few other important tips to keep in mind.
One of the biggest risks to batteries is the one posed by overheating. Not only can this shorten the life of the battery, it can also occasionally cause battery failure or fire. Don’t store vapes or batteries anywhere that is likely to get too hot, such as over a radiator or in fierce, direct sunlight – this is also especially true when they’re being charged. You can find out more in our guide to vaping safely in summer.
Most vape kits and battery bay chargers will have built-in overcharging prevention which will mean the batteries will stop charging once they reach a certain voltage level. However, it is still a good idea to take them off charge once you see that they are full.
It is crucial that you keep lithium batteries dry. Exposure to damp or moisture may corrode or damage the internal safety devices of the battery. This could then lead to rupture, overheating or ignition. This means it is best to keep vapes away from very wet areas, like bathrooms, and to be careful when the weather is bad.
Buying new batteries or rechargeable vapes
When you’re buying a new vape with a rechargeable battery, there are a few things to think about. For a start, look for vapes that have short circuit and low voltage protection features. These will help protect your battery as well as prolong its life.
When you’re buying external batteries to use with your vape, be sure to only ever buy ones from reputable sellers. Some counterfeit batteries can be very convincing and will be designed to look like big brands. The best way to protect yourself is to only buy from retailers you can trust.
Preserving your batteries
To help your battery last longer, you want to make sure you keep it out of extreme temperatures and keep it safe from moisture. It’s also smart to consider how frequently you charge it and avoid the battery depleting completely.
Charging batteries when you have mods
Modern vape kits have a wide range of built-in safety features and protections which ensure you can vape safely. These devices are known as regulated mods, and as long as you are purchasing genuine devices from reputable retailers, these protections will regulate the battery and ensure that it charges safely.
However, unregulated mods do not have any of these built-in safety features and can be dangerous if not used correctly. These devices should only be used by advanced vapers with a strong understanding of Ohm’s law and voltage. Evapo do not sell any unregulated mods.
How single-use batteries work
Single-use batteries are used to power disposable vapes, and unlike most vape batteries they cannot be recharged, unless the device is specifically advertised as being a rechargeable disposable vape.
These batteries are designed to last approximately as long as the e-liquid inside the device, and the vape has a completely closed system that does not allow access to the battery.
Many of the same rules apply when it comes to using disposable vapes safely, such as not exposing them to extreme temperatures or getting them wet.
Once the device is empty it will stop working, but it still contains a battery and therefore cannot be disposed of in your normal household waste. Disposable vapes can only be recycled at specialist facilities, and you can find your local facility through the recycle your electricals website.
How to dispose of your batteries safely
If your batteries have become damaged or are no longer holding a charge, it’s time to dispose of them safely. Batteries have hazardous chemicals inside them that can be harmful to both humans and the environment, so it’s important not to throw them into the household bin or leave them sitting around for ages.
Recycling removable batteries not only offers the safest option for you, it also allows for their valuable components to be recovered and reused. You’ll typically find battery recycling bins in supermarkets, in your local battery recycling facility or in your nearest Evapo store.
We are pleased to provide a battery recycling drop-off point in each of our retail stores, and take our corporate responsibilities and commitment to sustainable vaping very seriously. You can find more information about how to recycle your vaping products on our sustainable vaping page.
