UK Influencer Converts 500 Discarded Vape Batteries into Electric Car

British YouTuber Chris Dore recently showcased a creative project: he salvaged lithium-ion cells from 500 discarded disposable e-cigarettes, tested and sorted them, and assembled a modular 50V, 2.5kWh battery pack that successfully replaced his vehicle’s original 48V lead-acid battery. The pack features a 3D-printed casing with aluminum enclosure, individual fuses for each cell, and an integrated battery management system (BMS) with temperature sensors to ensure safety. Most notably, it supports USB-C charging—potentially making it the world’s first electric vehicle capable of being recharged with a standard USB-C charger. In real-world testing, the vehicle achieved a top speed of 64 km/h and a range of approximately 29 km, suitable for short urban commutes. However, due to its maximum output current of only 120A—well below the vehicle’s required 300A—it triggers a power cutoff under full throttle, and overall performance still lags behind mainstream electric vehicles.