A UK-based engineer demonstrates the massive scale of electronic waste by repurposing lithium-ion batteries from single-use vapes to drive an electric vehicle for 18 miles.
YouTuber Chris Doel has successfully converted a Reva G-Wiz electric vehicle to run on a custom battery pack constructed from 500 discarded disposable vapes. The project highlights the environmental impact of the 844 million vapes discarded annually, proving that these “single-use” devices contain viable, rechargeable lithium-ion cells capable of powering heavy machinery.
Technical Specifications of the Vape-Powered G-Wiz
The following table outlines the performance metrics and technical configuration of the “Frankenstein” battery pack developed for this experiment.
| Metric | Specification / Result |
|---|---|
| Number of Discarded Vapes | 500+ Units |
| Battery Capacity | 2.5 Kilowatt-hours (kWh) |
| System Voltage | 50 Volts |
| Vehicle Range | 18 Miles |
| Top Speed Achieved | ~40 MPH |
| Charging Interface | USB-C (138W Laptop Charger) |
The Global E-Waste Crisis and the “Vape Battery” Potential
The popularity of single-use nicotine vapes has created a significant environmental challenge. According to the United Nations, at least 844 million of these devices were discarded by 2022. In 2023, estimates suggested that 500,000 vapes were thrown away every day. Despite being marketed as disposable, these devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries that are inherently rechargeable.
UK-based YouTuber Chris Doel sought to expose this “dystopian” waste by scavenging discarded vapes from music festivals and public trash bins. After testing each cell for voltage viability, Doel arranged the batteries into 14 separate 3D-printed rows, creating a modular battery architecture capable of storing enough energy to power a small electric vehicle.
Engineering the “Frankenstein” Battery Pack
The choice of the Reva G-Wiz was strategic. As one of the world’s smallest and lowest-powered EVs, its 17-horsepower motor and 50-volt system made it the ideal candidate for a DIY battery swap. To power a more modern EV, such as a Tesla, Doel estimates he would require approximately 12,000 vape cells, making the G-Wiz experiment a more feasible proof-of-concept.
To ensure structural integrity and safety, the individual cells were housed in an aluminum panel enclosure. Doel integrated a Battery Management System (BMS) to monitor individual cell voltages and installed temperature probes to prevent thermal runaway—a dangerous chemical reaction that can lead to lithium-ion fires. Interestingly, the system was configured to charge via a standard USB-C adapter, potentially making it the first EV in the world to utilize a laptop charger for refueling.
Performance and Road Testing
The road test involved driving the vape-powered G-Wiz on public streets, completing daily errands and even navigating a fast-food drive-through. The vehicle successfully traveled 18 miles on a single charge, reaching speeds of 40 mph. While the range is insufficient for modern commuting, the experiment serves as a powerful illustration of the energy density currently being wasted in landfills.
Remarkably, Doel claimed the vehicle was fully insured, with the insurance provider aware of the modified power source. The project required the installation of a DC-DC converter to manage auxiliary functions like headlights and wipers, proving that the scavenged cells could handle the complex electrical load of a functioning car.
Expert Verdict: A Call for Circular Economy Thinking
From an analytical standpoint, Doel’s experiment is a scathing critique of current consumer electronics manufacturing. The fact that 500 “trash” items can power a car for 18 miles highlights a massive failure in circular economy policy. As governments move toward banning disposable vapes, the focus must also shift toward the mandatory recycling of lithium-ion components. Doel’s project proves that what we currently classify as “waste” is, in reality, a high-value energy resource that is being flippantly discarded in a “crazy dystopia” of inexpensive electronics.
