Why Does My E-Cigarette Battery Die So Fast?

If you’re an adult e-cigarette user, you may have wondered about your e-cigarette battery life, had concerns about this battery dying, or questioned if it’s even possible to fix it. When experiencing such issues with a device, having a good understanding of e-cig batteries and how they work can help you make a more informed decision on how to address it.

Many e-cigarettes use rechargeable batteries and battery degradation is a natural process that’s common with these types of devices. Continue reading to find out more about e-cigarette (otherwise known as vape) batteries - including how they work, their potential battery lifespan, and how you may be able to slow the battery degradation process and make an e-cig battery last longer.

E-Cigarette Battery Types

There are different types of e-cig batteries - including rechargeable batteries and integrated batteries. With the exception of disposable pre-filled e-cigarettes, many vapes are rechargeable. Here are the main differences between rechargeable and integrated batteries:

Integrated E-Cig Batteries

In general, smaller e-cigarettes, such as pod e-cigarettes or cigalikes, use an integrated battery that’s built into the body of the device and directly connected to the device technology and casing. These integrated batteries are usually made from lithium ion (with a liquid core) or lithium polymer (with a gel core), and are not meant to be replaced or removed from the vape. Integrated batteries are convenient, as they can easily be charged by plugging it in via a USB port. Depending on the device you purchase, chargers may be included in the kit.

Replaceable E-Cig Batteries

Replaceable e-cig batteries, as their name suggests, are batteries you can remove and replace in certain vapes. These types of batteries are typically found in more advanced vapes, such as box mods, but can be found in other devices like vape pens.

Replaceable batteries could also meet the needs of advanced mods which can handle more power by accommodating more battery cells. However, not all replaceable batteries are suitable or safe for vaping. It’s essential to only use e-cigarette batteries that are compatible with the device in question, and of which have been developed by reputable manufacturers.

How Long Does an E-Cig Battery Last and Why Does it Degrade?

The answer to this question depends on the type of device and the e-cig battery it uses. Lithium-ion batteries degrade 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. This can result in the battery becoming less effective in providing power to the device. When this happens, the e-cigarette might not seem to last as long after being fully charged. 

There are many things that could affect the battery life of e-cigarettes, including the following:

• Battery size
• Temperature ranges (both when charging and in use)
• The number and duration of puffs had
• How the device is maintained

All of these aspects may contribute to the degradation of an e-cig battery. It’s also good to avoid storing your e-cigarette in extreme temperatures (i.e., too hot or too cold) as this might stress the battery, and impact how long it lasts.

5 Tips to Prevent Your E-Cigarette Battery from Dying Too Quickly

There are a few different actions that could help you to slow the battery degradation process, and further prevent your e-cig battery from not working. These include the following:

1. Avoid fully draining your e-cigarette battery

It can take more energy for a battery to recharge from empty than when it has some charge left in it, and charging a battery from empty could reduce its lifespan. You could prevent the battery from working harder than it has to by charging your e-cigarette before it’s fully drained of power.

2. Avoid overcharging your e-cigarette battery

Similar to mobile devices and laptops, it’s also important to not keep your e-cigarette charging continuously. When overcharging, the battery can become overwhelmed, which may reduce its overall lifespan. Charge your device when you need to and avoid keeping it charged for long periods of time. 

3. Store your e-cigarette properly

Improper storage can also negatively impact the battery life of an e-cigarette. Many vapes are designed to be stored within a temperature range. When a device is exposed to temperatures or conditions outside of its normal operating range (e.g., too hot, too cold, or potentially when in direct sunlight), it could degrade the battery faster.

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

Although it may seem as though your e-cigarette isn’t using any power when it’s idle, it is still using energy. This can run down the battery, and might require you to charge it more. It might help to keep your vape turned off when you’re not using it.

5. Charge your e-cigarette device properly

It may seem simple, but charging your device correctly could help ensure your e-cig battery operates properly. Charge your device within the temperature zone recommended by the manufacturer, and only charge your e-cigarette using charging cables and power adaptors that are compatible with your device. 

When to Replace an E-Cig Battery

When exactly to replace an e-cig battery will depend on the device in question. For example, if the e-cigarette has an integrated battery, you generally won’t be able to remove or replace this. That said, you could replace the batteries on devices that allow for this (i.e., they utilise replaceable batteries). 

There are some signs that indicate it may be time to change the battery - such as the power button not working. Depending on your device, there may be product-specific guidelines that explain how often you should change your vape battery. 

While the information provided in this article could help you understand the more general issues concerning e-cig batteries, this might not apply to specific devices. Always read the manufacturer’s guidance and follow their instructions on device care and troubleshooting .Furthermore, pay attention to the safety information that comes with your device or replaceable e-cig battery. 

Note that smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

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.