When Were Vapes Invented? The History of Vaping

It’s been reported that the first commercially successful vape, otherwise known as an e-cigarette, was invented in China in 2003. Although this might have been the first vape to successfully hit the market, the concept of a vape dates further back.

The vape has developed significantly from its conception up to its commercial launch and beyond. There are now a variety of different styles available, such as closed and open pod systems.

The recorded history of vaping covers nearly a hundred years. But who invented the vape as it is known today? It’s been reported that the first commercially successful vape was invented by Hon Lik, a pharmacist.

Several inventors are known to have contributed to the development of vapes prior to Lik, including the following:

• Joseph Robinson (1930s): Robinson’s patent was approved for a device named the ‘mechanical butane ignition vapouriser’. The vape was never released to the public.
• Herbert A. Gilbert (1960s): Gilbert created a device he called the ‘Smokeless’ – a battery-powered device that created flavoured vapour.

Further to these two evolutions, in the 1970s Phil Ray and Norman Jacobson are said to have synonymised the term ‘vape’ with vapourisation devices. In 1979, the pair commercialised a variation to the e-cigarette – a non-electronic device where users had to draw on a nicotine-soaked filter. Although arguably having popularised the term ‘vape’, Ray’s and Jacobson’s invention was not a commercial success.

Hon Lik’s e-cigarette, patented in the early 1990’s, may be viewed as one of the first modern-day examples of a disposable vape. It was single-use and provided a set number of puffs to 18+ users.

Thanks to rapid advances in science and technology, the vapes of today are considerably improved smokefree alternatives. VEEV ONE, a closed pod vape system, comes with several features to give 18+ vapers a smooth way to transition from smoking:

• Ceramic heater for consistent flavour delivery.
• Durable aluminum body.
• Fully charged in less than 45 minutes.
• Light indicator to check liquid levels and prevent burnt taste.
• Up to 2000 puffs per VEEV ONE pack.*

Learn more about VEEV ONE below, including the range of tobacco, menthol, and fruit pods.