Do Vapes Have Lithium Batteries?

Lithium batteries are commonly used for everyday electronic devices, so it's natural to wonder whether modern vape devices also rely on lithium batteries to stay powered up and create vapour.

Learn more about the relationship between lithium batteries and vapes, including the advantages of using this battery in vape devices and best practices to ensure safety. With this knowledge, you'll consistently have a safer and more enjoyable vaping experience.

Understanding Lithium Batteries and Vapes

Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes, are powered by batteries and use a heating element to vaporise a liquid solution, which the user then inhales. A common question among vapers is whether or not their device contains lithium batteries. The answer is, for the most part, yes! Lithium-ion options are commonly used in electronic devices, including electronic vape devices. They're also popular for laptops, smartphones, tablets, and even electric toothbrushes.

Lithium-ion has become the preferred choice for vapes due to its high energy density, long-lasting life, reliable performance, and quick charging.

Vape devices often use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries; even disposable vape pens meant to be discarded after use utilise this battery type. Vape mods also leverage lithium-ion batteries in all shapes and sizes to suit the type of vape experience you're looking for. Unlike disposable vape batteries, vape mod batteries are usually removable, chargeable, and replaceable. Disposable vape batteries aren't meant to be replaced but rather disposed of with the rest of the device once the e-juice runs out.

The most common types of lithium batteries used in vapes include 18650, 18350, and 26650. The main difference between these is their size - with the first two numbers representing the battery's length (18 or 26 mm, respectively) and the second two representing the diameter (65 or 25 mm, respectively). The best battery size for a vape mod with a replaceable battery compartment depends on the mod itself and what it's compatible with.

A vape device uses a lithium battery to heat the coil component, which heats the vape juice and creates the vapour that the user inhales. Some devices require pushing a button to activate the battery, while other models, like disposables, may automatically start the battery when the user draws from the mouthpiece.

Keep this in mind: automatic vape batteries are easier to use, but there may be a delay between the first draw and vapour production. On the other hand, manual vape batteries tend to offer more power and vapour, creating a stronger throat hit.

Advantages of Using Lithium-Ion Batteries in Vapes

The use of lithium-ion batteries in vapes offers significant advantages. Their high energy density means they can store more energy in a compact and lightweight size, providing a long-lasting power source ideal for vapes. This feature ensures that vapers can enjoy extended vape sessions without worrying about frequent recharging.

Beyond the mighty power element in the small package, the compact nature of lithium batteries makes them easy to fit into the slim and convenient design of many vape devices available today.

Another notable benefit is the quick charging time of lithium-ion batteries compared to other battery types. This is especially convenient for vapers who use their device regularly and need a quick power boost.

Lithium-ion batteries have a low self-discharge rate, meaning they retain their charge longer when not in use. This aspect is crucial for vapers who use their devices intermittently but still want their vape ready to use at any time.

Finally, lithium-ion batteries have a longer lifespan, translating to fewer replacements and cost savings in the long run, especially if using a vape with replaceable batteries. These batteries' overall reliability and performance make them an excellent choice for powering vaping devices.

Best Practices for Charging Lithium Batteries

Knowing how best to charge your lithium battery for your vape will ensure it lasts as long as possible and deliver the best vaping experience.

While some batteries develop a memory effect in which an incomplete charge negatively impacts the battery's charge longevity, lithium batteries are unaffected. So, even if you don't have time to get a full charge on your vape's lithium battery, any charge will extend its life until the next charge.

If the battery of your vape is completely exhausted, don't attempt to use it. Getting to this point of deep discharge and trying to use the battery can create long-term damage to it. Instead, aim to charge the battery when its life is somewhere between 20-90% to get the most out of it.

Ensuring Safety With Lithium Batteries

While lithium batteries offer many advantages, it's essential to understand that they can also pose safety risks when not handled correctly. By understanding how to keep yourself and the battery safe, you can avoid accidents and get the most from your vape device battery.

Due to the chemicals and properties used in a lithium-ion battery, the primary risk is the potential for a battery to overheat and catch fire or explode if it's damaged or charged improperly. Why? Because they contain sodium, lithium, potassium, and other elements that can be highly volatile or flammable. Just tossing these batteries into water would result in an explosion.

Thankfully, thoughtful, modern designs of lithium-ion batteries keep explosions to a minimum so that they are quite rare. Modern-day estimates from experts hold that only one out of 10-40 million lithium-ion batteries fail.

The best way to ensure safety with lithium-ion batteries is to avoid any circumstances that may cause overheating. Overheating may be caused by a battery defect, which consumers cannot control. However, mishandling mistakes can be avoided.

One common mistake is trying to use damaged batteries, such as those with dents or tears in the protective wrapping. Doing so can cause internal damage that can lead to overheating. It's best to dispose of damaged batteries safely and replace them immediately.

Vape devices today are designed to allow the batteries to vent, so even if the battery does reach a high temperature, it's extremely rare that it would explode. The event may still make the vape user jump, but it shouldn't cause much damage if it did happen.

Contemporary devices also include overcharge protections to stop any extra voltage being pushed into an already-full battery, keeping it safe. Other limits, such as how long a vape battery can be activated at one time, usually indicated by a blinking light or a simple stop to the vapour production.

Given all of these protections, it's doubtful you'll ever experience a lithium-ion explosion from your vape device battery. Don't try to modify your battery; use a damaged one or a battery after it's reached deep discharge.

UK Regulations and Compliance

Another important way to ensure the safety of your lithium-ion-powered vape device is to only use products that meet government regulations and follow requirements for safe travel. 

Lithium-ion vape batteries are legal in the UK. However, there has been more regulation on vapes recently to address lingering concerns about safety, especially considering the younger demographic that uses vapes.

Current legal regulations require that e-cigarette tanks do not exceed 2 ml, the maximum volume of nicotine-containing vape juice can not exceed 10ml in one refill container, nicotine-containing products must be child-resistant and tamper evident, certain ingredients are banned (such as taurine and caffeine), and all e-cigarettes and e-liquids must be notified and published by Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before being sold.

Additionally, it's important to note that, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), any vape device that uses a lithium-ion battery cannot be stored in the cargo area of a plane due to the small risk of fire. For that reason, avoid putting them in any checked luggage and keep them in your carry-on item so they are easier to get to in an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If My Vape Has a Lithium Battery?

Most vape devices use lithium-ion batteries as their power source, so chances are, your vape does have a lithium-ion battery. To be sure, you can check the specifications from the packaging or manufacturer's manual for your particular device model.

Final Thoughts

Lithium-ion batteries are an essential component in vapes, providing numerous advantages such as longevity, reliability and performance. Though their advantages are plenty, it's still important to recognise and understand the risks they carry. By following best practices for charging and ensuring safety measures are taken, you can extend the life of your battery and avoid potential hazards.

At WAKA Vapes, we only use high-quality lithium-ion batteries in our vape devices to ensure the best vaping experience for all our customers.