There is no denying that e-cigarettes have taken the world by storm. From a niche device or alternative attempt, it has now become a global phenomenon.
But how did this happen? The global popularity of e-cigarettes did not happen overnight. In fact, the device has a history of nearly a hundred years.
Here’s a brief history of the rapid and successful development of e-cigarettes.
A century of innovation
Incredibly, the original concept of “electronic cigarettes” dates back to 1927. This is a period of innovation that has propelled electronic cigarettes onto the international stage.
In 1927, Joseph Robinson filed a patent for a device that heated tobacco electrically rather than burning it directly. Although his idea failed to achieve commercial success, the patent opened up technical possibilities.
In the 1960s, Herbert Gilbert patented a similar product. His design was similar to today's e-cigarette devices, but was nowhere near as sophisticated as modern versions. He also built some prototypes, but they were also unsuccessful in commercializing them.
In the late 1970s, computer engineer Phil Ray and doctor Norman Jacobson developed the first commercial "electronic cigarette." Although it was not a true electronic device, but achieved its function by vaporizing nicotine, this attempt still failed to gain market traction. However, Ray introduced the term "vape" for the first time.
Although Robinson, Gilbert, Ray, and Jacobson’s efforts were not commercially successful, their contributions laid the foundation for the birth of the modern e-cigarette in the 21st century.
The Inventor's Nightmare and Tragedy
In the early 2000s, the world was full of expectations for technological progress. Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik was no exception, but he was driven by more than optimism.
In 2002, Hon discovered that the nicotine patches he was using (to kick his 2-3 pack-a-day habit) were causing nightmares, and he soon began developing a device that would revolutionize nicotine consumption.
However, a tragedy in 2004, when Han's father died of lung cancer, made him more determined to develop a cleaner, smoother nicotine-delivery device.
Early designs were bulky and difficult to operate, very different from today’s e-cigarettes, and required frequent maintenance. However, Han Li’s invention broke through the limitations of all those who came before him and provided inspiration for later inventors.
Consumer empowerment
The concept of a portable electronic device that heats rather than burns tobacco has intrigued many people, not least because of its convenience. However, e-cigarettes will need further innovation before they become truly popular.
Surprisingly, many of these innovations came from consumers who began modifying their devices with power tool batteries to get a greater nicotine delivery. This consumer innovation gave rise to the term “mods,” referring to user modifications to the devices.
A continuing legacy
Although these modded devices didn’t last, they laid the foundation for a new era of e-cigarettes.
Early electronic cigarette devices only contained batteries and heating coils. Due to inefficient design, improper battery matching often caused the device to explode, which is one of the sources of the reputation of electronic cigarettes for "accidental explosions".
The DIY craze didn’t ease until manufacturers started introducing more sophisticated circuit boards for their devices. Chinese manufacturers led the way, mass-producing well-tuned devices that no longer required additional modifications to achieve the desired effect.
The real turning point was the advent of the " vape pen ".
"Late Popularizer"
Nearly a decade after Han Li first released his invention, the e-cigarette market seemed to have come to an end. However, in the early 2010s, the e-cigarette pen came out of nowhere and changed everything. Its portability and design immediately attracted many people, and the data on its popularity speaks for itself.
Between 2011 and 2018, the number of e-cigarette users surged by more than 34 million worldwide. This remarkable international recognition has made e-cigarettes a recognized nicotine replacement consumption method - easy to operate, convenient to carry and fashionable in appearance.
Since then, the e-cigarette market has seen tremendous innovation, attracting new fans around the world. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, there is an e-cigarette for everyone on the market. It seems that this industry never stops.
Why do e-cigarettes continue to be popular?
An important factor in the continued success of the e-cigarette industry is its level of customization.
First of all, there are many different types of e-cigarettes (pen-type, modified type, cartridge type, etc.), and each category provides different choices. Whether it is fruit flavor, mint flavor, or any other flavor, e-cigarettes can meet consumer needs.
This customization is not limited to flavors and designs. Many e-cigarette devices allow users to fully control the amount of inhalation. This freedom of consumer choice is unheard of in other nicotine inhalation methods, and users can precisely control the amount of nicotine they inhale, greatly enhancing their autonomy.
The future of e-cigarettes
The future of the e-cigarette industry is still full of innovative possibilities. From humble beginnings to today’s global giant, the future of e-cigarettes is exciting, and we can’t wait to see the further development of the industry.