YouTuber Converts E-Bike with 500 Vape Batteries, Adds USB-C Charging

YouTuber Chris Dole recently built a 50V, 2.5kWh traction battery pack using 500 lithium-ion cells salvaged from discarded disposable e-cigarettes, successfully retrofitting a small electric vehicle with it. The battery pack features a 3D-printed enclosure and modular design, equipped with fuses, a battery management system (BMS), and temperature sensors to ensure safe operation. Most notably, the vehicle can be charged via a USB-C port, potentially making it the world’s first electric car supporting USB-C charging. Although limited by a maximum output current of 120A—well below the original vehicle’s requirement of approximately 300A—full-throttle acceleration triggers an overcurrent shutdown. However, at a working current of 100A, the car still achieves a top speed of 64 km/h, close to the original 80 km/h, and delivers a range of about 29 km, significantly less than the factory-rated 80 km. While the project lacks large-scale practicality, it creatively demonstrates the potential and environmental value of repurposing waste batteries.