Why does battery on some e cigarettes die so fast?

If you are an adult e cigarette user, you may have wondered about your e cigarette battery life, had concerns about your vape battery dying, or questioned if it’s possible to fix a vape battery. These are common considerations for many adult e cigarette users and for those that have newly switched to vaping from smoking cigarettes. Most e cigarettes use rechargeable batteries, and battery degradation is a natural process that is common to all such batteries. Combine that with personal usage and consumption, the type of device it is, and even how you maintain your device, and all these things can impact your battery lifespan. Continue reading to find out more about the battery life of e cigarettes, and how you can slow the battery degradation process and make an e-cig battery last longer.

Vaping is not risk free and many e cigarettes provide nicotine, which is addictive. Smoke-free products are intended for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use nicotine products and are not intended as cessation devices. The best option to reduce the health risks associated with the use of tobacco and nicotine products is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. However, for those adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, switching completely to vaping could be a better choice than continuing to smoke.

E cigarette battery types

There are different e-cig battery types to consider when choosing a device. Except for some disposable pre-filled e cigarettes, most vapes use rechargeable batteries. Smaller e cigarettes, such as pod e cigarettes or cigalikes, generally use an integrated battery that is built into the body of the device and directly connected to the device technology and casing. These integrated batteries are not meant to be removed or replaced and are usually lithium ion (with a liquid core) or lithium polymer (with a gel core). Integrated batteries are convenient, as they can be easily charged by plugging it in via a USB port. Chargers are typically included with the device and kit at purchase. 

In contrast, advanced mods utilize replaceable batteries, which require maintenance compared to devices with integrated batteries, but do come with unique benefits. To begin, if charging is not convenient, the battery can be switched out with a spare charged battery. In addition, replaceable batteries can meet the needs of advanced mods which can handle more power by accommodating more battery cells. Discerning vapers will also be able to choose between different types of replaceable batteries, from 18650 cells to larger and more powerful batteries like the 21700. However, it must be noted that not all replaceable batteries are suitable or safe for vaping, and it is extremely important to only use batteries from legitimate brands that manufacture cells specifically for vaping. These safety concerns are addressed in e cigarettes that utilize integrated batteries, as they are designed specifically for the device in question. 

How long does an e-cig battery last and why does it degrade?

The answer to this question depends on the type of battery used with your e-cigarette. A number of e-cigarettes use lithium-ion batteries. The lithium-ion battery in the devices is a consumable component that degrades with usage and age. This is a natural process common to all rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. As the battery ages, the active ingredients inside the battery become less capable of retaining energy, resulting in a permanent decrease in maximum battery capacity and usable energy. In addition, the active ingredients become less effective in delivering energy, resulting in a decrease of the battery’s ability to provide sufficient power for electronic device components to operate. As a result, where relevant, the duration of vaping experience may appear to be shorter, the number of puffs or experiences with one full charge may appear to be fewer, or some device features may not perform. 

There are many things that can affect the battery life of e cigarettes, including the size of your battery, temperature ranges during charge and discharge of your device, and during the use of your device, the number and duration of puffs, and how you maintain your device. Depending on the battery, e-cig batteries can last several hundred puffs. If your device is bigger or has a larger tank, it will require more power for each puff. Using or storing your e cigarette in extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold) can also stress the battery and impact how long it lasts. 

5 tips to prevent your e cigarette battery from dying too quickly

If you wonder how to make your e cig battery last longer, there are some simple actions that can help to slow the battery degradation process and may prevent your vape battery from not working, such as charging your device within the recommended temperature zone, not keeping it discharged for long periods of time and using the charging cables and power adaptors that come together with the device as per the user guide. 

1 | Avoid fully draining your e cigarette battery

It takes more energy for a battery to recharge from empty than when it has some charge left in it. Doing so may reduce the battery lifespan as well. Charge your e cigarette before it is fully drained of power to prevent the battery from working harder than it has to. Even more, avoid having your e cigarette discharged for long periods of time. 

2 | Avoid over charging your e cigarette battery 

Just as you would with your mobile device or laptop, don’t keep your e cigarette continuously charging, otherwise the battery may be overworked which may reduce its lifespan.

3 | Store your e cigarette properly 

Unsurprisingly, improper storage of your e cigarette can negatively impact the battery. While most e cigarettes are designed to be stored within a certain range of temperatures, storing at the extreme ends of this range may degrade your battery faster. That means, keep your e cigarette out of extreme temperatures – hot, or cold – or direct sunlight. 

4 | Turn your e cigarette off when it’s not in use 

Although it may seem that your device is not using any power when it is idle, it is still using energy, which runs down the battery and requires additional charging. Turn it off, just like you would any other electronic device when not actively in use, and you’ll save power. 

5 | Charge your device properly 

Proper charging will ensure your e cigarette batteries will operate as intended. Charge your device within the temperature zone recommended by the manufacturer of your device. Only charge your e cigarette with the charging cables and power adaptors that are sold with the device. 

When to replace my e-cig battery?

If your e cigarette has an integrated battery that is built into the device itself, as it is in many pod systems, this should not be a concern as the battery is not replaceable. However, if your e cigarette utilizes replaceable batteries, there are some signs that indicate it may be time to change the battery, and some guidelines to follow for how often you should change your vape battery. Pay attention to the safety information that comes with the device or replaceable battery.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.