British Man Powers DIY Car with Discarded Vapes

Why It Matters

The experiment highlights the massive energy potential locked in single‑use vape batteries and the urgent need for better e‑waste recycling. It also illustrates a tangible, if niche, pathway toward circular‑economy solutions for lithium‑ion waste.

Key Takeaways

• 500 discarded vapes yielded 2.5 kWh battery pack
• Pack powered Reva G‑Wiz 18 miles at ~40 mph
• Scaling to modern EVs would need thousands of vapes
• Demonstrates hidden value in e‑waste lithium cells
• Safety required BMS, temperature monitoring, insulated housing

Pulse Analysis

The surge in disposable nicotine vapes has created a hidden stream of lithium‑ion cells that end up in landfills. While each vape contains only a fraction of a kilowatt‑hour, the sheer volume—hundreds of millions discarded annually—represents a sizable, untapped energy reservoir. Doel’s project demonstrates that, with basic testing and repurposing, these cells can be aggregated into functional battery packs, turning what is typically classified as hazardous waste into a usable power source.

Beyond the novelty of a vape‑powered car, the experiment raises broader questions about e‑waste management and circular‑economy design. Traditional recycling streams often overlook small, mixed‑technology batteries, leading to lost material value and environmental harm. By extracting and reconditioning vape cells, innovators can recover valuable lithium, cobalt, and nickel, reducing the demand for virgin mining. However, Doel’s own calculations—requiring roughly 12,000 vapes to match a Tesla’s range—show that scaling remains impractical without systemic changes in product design and collection.

Safety and regulatory considerations also come to the fore. Doel equipped his pack with a battery‑management system, temperature probes, and fuses to mitigate thermal‑runaway risks, a practice that would be essential for any commercial application. The successful USB‑C charging of the pack hints at future compatibility with emerging fast‑charging standards, but widespread adoption will depend on standardized testing, certification, and insurance frameworks. Ultimately, the project serves as a vivid proof‑of‑concept: with proper infrastructure, the billions of discarded vape batteries could become a modest yet meaningful contributor to sustainable energy solutions.