A British YouTube creator, Chris Doel, has successfully built a micro-electric vehicle powered by more than 500 batteries harvested from disposable e-cigarettes. The vehicle supports charging via a USB-C port. Doel extracted lithium-ion cells from discarded vapes, testing each one individually to confirm they were in working condition. He arranged the cells into 3D-printed enclosures, forming what he calls "modular battery rows." By connecting 14 of these rows in series, he created a 50-volt, 2.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack.

While this specification is modest by today's electric vehicle standards—some models now feature 900-volt systems—it is comparable to the original 48-volt lead-acid battery pack used in the G-Wiz microcar, which debuted in 2001. In theory, Doel's 50-volt vape battery pack could serve as a direct replacement.

To enhance safety, Doel installed fuses on each individual cell and incorporated a battery management system (BMS) to prevent overcharging and reduce the risk of thermal runaway. Multiple temperature sensors were also added for extra protection. The finished battery pack features a professional-looking aluminum enclosure that securely houses all components. Although bulky, the pack is fully functional.

Notably, the modified G-Wiz can be charged using a USB-C cable, making it possibly the world’s first USB-C-powered electric car. However, the setup has limitations, particularly in current output. The battery pack can deliver a maximum of 120 amps, while the vehicle’s peak demand reaches 300 amps. Under full acceleration, the main circuit breaker trips.

In real-world use, the car can reach a top speed of 40 miles per hour when discharging around 100 amps continuously, close to its original 50 mph limit. On a full charge, the vehicle has a range of only 18 miles, significantly less than the original 50-mile range.