How much do you know about e-cig batteries? Whether you’re an ex-smoker who’s new to vaping or experienced, e-cig batteries are broad in variety so there’s a lot of ground to cover.
If your answer leans more towards ‘Not much’ and ‘Nothing at all’, then you will certainly need to take some time to read this guide. It’ll cover everything you need to know about vape batteries, with some tips on how to get the best value for money and take care of your vaping products.
TABlites is one of UK’s leading online vape stores - from vape devices, to vape accessories, to e-juice, and more, you can count on us to stock vape products from reputable manufacturers.
But first, let’s dive into everything that you need to know about e-cig batteries.
What Is an E-Cig Battery?
An e-cig battery - also called a vape battery - is a key component in an e-cigarette device, responsible for its power source. An e-cig battery essentially allows you to heat and inhale your vape’s tasty e-liquid, which helps it produce the clouds of vapour that e-cigarettes are known for.
Keep in mind that there are a range of quality vape batteries available and they may be dependent on the type of vape device that you have, which can ultimately affect your vaping experience.
What Kinds of Batteries Are Used in Vapes?
As mentioned previously, the e-cig battery is typically manufactured specifically for a vape device. This means that they are only meant to be used for a specific vape kit and should not be used for other purposes and must be compatible with the brand you’re using.
E-cig batteries can be both internal and external, automatic or manual, all depending on the type of device that you are using. In general, vape batteries are characterised by their size:
- 18350
- 18650
- 20700
- 21700
- 22650
- And more…
They can be broken into two parts: the first two numbers and the following third and fourth numbers. For instance, 20700:
- 20 - indicates the diameter of the battery in mm
- 70 - indicates the length of the battery in mm
So, a 20700 vape battery is 20mm in diameter and 70mm tall. The final number, which you will note is the same for every vape battery, simply denotes the shape of the battery - in this case, a cylinder.
The bigger the number, the bigger the size - and this is not the only difference. Factors like battery capacity, power output, and current also vary depending on the size. Larger-sized batteries like the 21700 will generally perform better in output and capacity compared to a smaller battery such as the 18350.
The most common type of vape battery that is used in most e-cigarettes is the 18650 - this type is widely available on the market and generally long lasting. You may also find this type of battery in other devices like digital cameras and power banks.
Regardless of whether you have built-in or removable batteries (more on this later…), they will almost always be li-ion batteries (lithium-ion batteries), meaning that they are rechargeable and reliable.
How Long Do E-Cig Batteries Last?
The longevity of e-cig batteries relies on a myriad of factors including:
- Maintenance of e-cigarette device
- Voltage or wattage used
- Coil used in tank
- Battery size and make
- Frequency of inhales
For a person who takes short breaks between each inhale, with every drag being considerably lengthy, then the vape battery will most likely die quicker than for someone who takes longer breaks between only short drags.
However, if a long battery life is what you are after, then it would be a good idea to consider models with a high milliamp per hour (mAh) capacity.
mAh, amps, and wattage
Although the mAh capacity is important, the continuous discharge rate (measured in amperes/A) is also another crucial part to consider when it comes to the energy density of a vape battery.
The higher the amps, the higher the current that is able to be pulled without the battery overheating - the higher the wattage, the higher of amps needed to sustain such power. Similarly, the lower the continuous discharge rate, the higher the mAh rating.
For example, a 3000mAh battery will probably be able to handle wattage levels of 40W to 100W with a continuous discharge rate of 15A. Meanwhile, a 2000mAh battery will likely have a continuous discharge rate of 30A that can manage 180+W.
As a result, you will also need to think about the wattage levels that you wish to vape at as this can ultimately influence the best type of battery that you may need to use for your vape.
Ohm’s Law
Ohm’s Law states the relationship between current, voltage and resistance. In the case of vaping and vape devices, this is the relationship between the battery and the vape coil inside your vape tank. Understanding Ohm’s Law is key if you plan on using removable batteries.
Ohm’s Law can be expressed as A = V/R, or current (A) = voltage (V) divided by resistance (R). The result is the amp output that is required when you use both regulated and unregulated/mechanical vape devices.
The voltage and resistance can also be calculated using the same formula:
- V = A x R
- R = V/A
A higher resistance vape coil (coils with an ohms (Ω) rating of more than 1.0) usually requires less power to be drawn, and the opposite is true for a lower resistance coil (ohms rating of less than 1.0).
With these factors in mind, it can be difficult to work out an accurate estimate of how long a vape battery can last. On the other hand, there are ways in which you can maximise the life of your battery - which will be discussed further in this guide.
Like to find out more about which coils you’ll need for your vape? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Vape Coils here.
Built-in Batteries vs Removable Batteries
There are two main types of batteries that can come with a vape:
- Internal batteries
- External batteries
Internal batteries are integrated into the vape itself, whereas external batteries are able to be removed and swapped out.
This means that, with built-in internal batteries, you need to charge the vape when the battery is drained - you won’t be able to use the vape whilst it is charging. Meanwhile, removable batteries allow you to simply have spare batteries at hand, swapping one out with the other once dead.
The dead battery can then be charged with a dedicated battery charger so that it is ready for use when the current one also runs out. This system may be more convenient for frequent vape users as you do not need to wait for the battery to be recharged in order to use the vape.
External batteries are most commonly found in sub-ohm vape kits. Once the battery is replaced with a spare, you can puff and go as you please.
So, if you are undecided between whether to purchase a vape kit with an in-built battery or removable one, you should consider the above and how having either could affect your vaping.
Are Vape Batteries Safe?
Vape batteries are safe as long as you use them appropriately. This means that it becomes the vape user’s responsibility to ensure that any rechargeable batteries that they use are safe and suitable for the device that they are using.
So, like with any electronic device, there can be fire risks associated with li-ion batteries. These are usually a result of:
- Overcharging
- Short-circuiting
- Damage to the battery
- Wet battery
Can Vape Batteries Explode?
Although not common, vape batteries do have the potential to explode if they are mishandled and/or are not used properly.
At TABlites, we only supply vape kits from the UK’s most trusted vape manufacturers - no matter if you’re on a budget or going for a more premium brand - so you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands with us. However, should you have an old vape or are unsure about how to properly use your vape, here are some safety tips to consider.
So, how can a vape battery explode?
The most typical reasons a vape battery could explode are:
- Dropping your e-cigarette - Accidentally dropping your device can damage the battery, container, or both, so it is important that you thoroughly inspect the device for any damage if dropped.
- Submerging device in water - Water damage is often not visible, so you should never assume that your device still works fine even after being dropped in water.
- Carrying batteries without a case - Spare vape batteries should always be kept in a case and away from other metal objects; loose batteries that come into contact with metal objects such as a coin can lead to a short circuit
- Customising your device - Standard regulated devices or regulated mods control and regulate the current coming into it with an in-built electronic circuitry, but if you are planning on customising or modifying your vape, it would be wise to stick with the manufacturer’s list of authorised hardware and add-ons to prevent the chance of an unexpected battery explosion.
How to Dispose of a Vape Battery or Disposable Vape
When it comes to disposing of a vape battery or disposable vape, it is actually quite simple - just with a bit more effort regarding the latter if you wish to dispose of materials sustainably.
A vape battery can be recycled separately, but if you are unable to remove the battery, then the entire vape kit can be recycled in electricals. This may be the case for the majority of disposable vapes from reputable brands.
However, if you have some time on your hands and feel like dismantling the disposable vape yourself to recycle the materials separately, then you can follow these instructions:
- Open up the device - this is dependent on the device that you have
- Carefully remove the battery, cotton, e-liquid tank
- Recycle the battery
- Recycle the e-liquid tank (usually in plastics) and cotton accordingly
As you are handling batteries, it is critical that you are cautious when removing and disposing of the battery!
Are Vapes More Eco-Friendly Than Cigarettes?
If you are now second-guessing whether vaping is right for you - especially in terms of its environmental impact - disposable vapes are certainly not the most environmentally-friendly. However, in comparison to tobacco cigarettes, they are, in fact, less damaging to the environment!
Swapping from tobacco cigarettes to electronic vapes is a step in the right direction to becoming more eco-friendly. Using rechargeable vape batteries is also a much greener practice than using tobacco cigarettes and disposable vapes.
Recycling vape batteries and vapes accordingly also contributes to improving the environment, reducing unnecessary waste and hazards that can come with not disposing of e-cig batteries appropriately.
If you have further questions or enquiries about disposing vape batteries or disposable vapes, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team who will be more than happy to assist you.
How to Take Care of E-Cig Batteries and Maximise Vape Battery Lifespan
Ensuring that you clean and take care of your vape kit can help to maximise the longevity of your e-cig batteries. So, for a more secure vaping experience, here are the top things you can do:
Keep batteries at the right temperature
Exposure to extreme temperatures on either end of the spectrum can damage the battery, so it is important that any spare batteries are kept at room temperature. This is especially key when they are charging. Too hot and too cold can temporarily and permanently reduce the battery’s capacity respectively.
Keep them away from direct sunlight, storing them in a place where they remain cool and dry. A drawer or storage unit that does not overheat may be a good place to store spare e-cig batteries.
Correct battery storage
E-cig batteries need to be properly protected and stored in order to maximise their lifespan. They should be stored in a battery case when not in use and kept in a cool, dry location. This prevents the risk of unprotected batteries coming into contact with conductive items that can lead to a reduction in battery capacity and possibly short circuit.
As a result, it is a good idea to never store loose batteries in your pocket as a simple touch of a metal key or coin with a component of the battery can cause burns or even an explosion, potentially harming yourself and others.
It is recommended that when your vape is not in use, you should remove the battery and store it in a dedicated battery case, especially when travelling. This means that should you accidentally drop your vape, for example, then there is no chance of the battery being damaged as it is not in the vape itself.
Treat them well
It goes without saying that you should always treat your vape kit, including e-cig batteries with the utmost care. At the end of the day, a vape kit can be a costly investment, so it only makes sense to take care of it properly to ensure your vaping experience remains positive.
Regularly cleaning your vape, replacing parts like the coil appropriately, storing your vape accordingly, and only using coils, tanks, batteries, and other parts that are compatible with your specific vape device can ensure that the longevity of your vape device and e-cig batteries is preserved.
New to vaping and unsure of what vape kit to go for? Check out our starter vape kits for the best deals on all your entry-level vaping needs.
Minimise charging
Overcharging your vape device and/or removable batteries can gradually cause your e-cig batteries to deteriorate, so making sure that you remove them from charging once they are fully charged is key. This means that you should probably stop leaving them to charge overnight as they most likely reach full charge in the middle of the night - there is also the possibility of a fault occurring during the charging process that cannot be fixed immediately if you are asleep.
If you are using rechargeable batteries, taking them out of the vape kit and charging them with a battery charger is not only more efficient, but it is also much better for your batteries’ lifespan than charging them through a port on the kit itself.
When batteries are charging, it is also suggested that you do not leave them unattended as there is still the possibility of a fire or explosion (though minimal). Ensure that the dedicated battery charger is specifically designed to charge li-ion batteries, and that you charge your batteries according to their charging guideline.
Don't use unsafe batteries
Always purchase new e-cig batteries from trusted sources like TABlites - our authentic battery range includes only trusted sellers, which is a safer and more cost-effective route than buying from unreliable and counterfeit websites (even if you think you’ve snagged a bargain!).
Batteries from such sites are potentially unsafe and have an increased risk of fire or explosion. You may also find that these batteries also do not have a long lifespan and tend to drain faster, forcing you to replace batteries every few hours - which is not efficient nor convenient.
In addition to this, keep an eye out for e-cig batteries that appear damaged or where their wrapper is broken - even if they are new and were recently bought, the risk is not worth taking as the potential consequences can be disastrous. If these batteries have not been used yet, it might be useful to simply replace the cell or use a battery repair kit to re-wrap the battery.
Correct Disposal
As mentioned, e-cig batteries should be disposed of correctly as this can both help the environment and mitigate risks that are associated with poor battery disposal.
Inappropriately disposing batteries in general waste can lead them ending up in a landfill, which in turn can result in the release of harmful metals and toxins into the environment. This can contaminate soil, eventually polluting waterways should it penetrate deeper.
This can have a detrimental effect on not only humans but also to wildlife and the environment. As a result, make sure that you are disposing of batteries properly - through recycling or disposed of in hazardous waste. If you are unsure about local battery recycling procedures, check your local council website to find information about what you should do with used batteries and the nearest recycling centres.
Avoid dropping them in general household waste!
Picking a Compatible Battery
When exploring Ohm’s Law in a previous section, we mentioned that it was important to understand how Ohm’s Law was expressed to identify the maximum amp output, enabling you to find a suitable battery for your device.
For example, a battery at 4.2V (full charge) and a coil with a resistance of 1.8ohms will result in a maximum current draw of 2.3A (4.2 divided by 1.8). This means that if the battery has a 10A limit, then the current draw is well below the limit and is safe.
Alternatively, if you drop the resistance of your coil to 0.4ohms, assuming the battery is the same voltage, then the current draw will be 10.5A (4.2 divided by 0.4). With this battery, its capacity is being pushed past its limit of 10A, and this is where it becomes dangerous and unsafe for you to use.
If you wish to use this coil, then you will need to replace the battery with one that has a higher amp limit to accommodate the higher power that is running through your ecig device.
Choose the Right e-Cig Batteries with TABlites
For everything vape-related, you can rely on TABlites to offer you a wide range of vape products at an affordable price. When it comes to e-cig batteries, we offer legitimate vape batteries, including 18650 batteries, which are the most common form of vape batteries in the majority of vape devices.
We hope that this guide has better informed you about e-cig batteries and how they are used in vapes. In particular, the importance of choosing the right vape batteries for your vape, how you can extend battery life, and how to dispose of vape batteries.
The TABlites team is committed to ensuring that products you receive from us are high quality and authentic. Should you have any enquiries, contact us today by dropping us an email at business@tablites.com or giving us a call at 0161 723 0064.