Hybrid systems explained: The best choice for vapers in the new legal landscape

Hybrid systems: The future of vaping and our role in it

Recently, we have been increasingly dealing with the issue of TPD compliance, which poses new challenges for us as an e-cigarette company. Adapting to the new legal requirements was no easy task, and we have noticed that our customers are also struggling to understand the new hybrid systems and use their functions.

That's why we decided to make the transition to these new systems easier for our customers and educate them on what a hybrid system is, why it came onto the market and what options it offers. In our blog, we want to give you a comprehensive introduction to this topic to help you make the right choice and get the most out of your vaping experience.

Changes in the e-cigarette market in Switzerland

In recent years, vapers in Switzerland have been able to enjoy disposable e-cigarettes with over 10,000 puffs and up to 20 ml of e-liquid. These so-called "Big Puffs" enjoyed great popularity. However, the new Tobacco Products Act limits the amount of liquid in disposable vapes and prefilled pod systems to 2 ml. Despite this restriction, large disposable products are not completely disappearing from the market. Thanks to innovative developments in which the liquid is supplied separately from the e-cigarette, it is still possible to offer large disposable products up to 10 ml that comply with the legal TPD requirements.

What is a hybrid system for vapes?

Hybrid e-cigarettes are a combination of pod systems and disposable vapes. They usually contain a small liquid tank with a filling volume of 2 ml. Depending on the model and design of the hybrid system, this can either be supplemented with a refill container or continuously refilled during use.

Why hybrid systems have emerged

In the world of e-cigarettes, hybrid systems have recently gained in importance. The reason for this lies in two decisive factors: the need for a large number of puffs and the new TPD laws that regulate the number of puffs.

Many vapers prefer the "big puffs" that traditional disposable vapes offer. However, these do not comply with the regulations of the TPD law. Therefore, the need arose to find an alternative that would ensure both the ease of use of disposable vapes and compliance with TPD laws.

TPD laws limit the tank volume of disposable vapes to 2 ml. To comply with these regulations and still offer a user-friendly option, leading brands have developed hybrid systems. These combine the ease of use of disposable vapes with the option of either manually refilling the tank or continuously refilling it during use.

Differences between pod systems and hybrid systems

Hybrid e-cigarettes combine the best features of pod systems and disposable vapes. They have a small tank with a filling volume of 2 ml, which can either be refilled continuously during use or supplemented with a refill container. In contrast to prefilled pod systems, the refill containers in hybrid e-cigarettes do not contain coils. Instead, the coils are permanently installed in the TPD-compliant 2 ml tank. This simplifies use considerably, as there is no need to change coils and the number of puffs remains as high as with disposable e-cigarettes with large puffs.

Differences between disposable vapes and hybrid systems

Disposable vapes are extremely easy to use and require no assembly. They can be taken straight out of the packaging and used immediately. However, especially those with large vapor clouds often do not comply with TPD regulations. Hybrid systems are TPD-compliant with a tank volume of 2 ml and offer the option of refilling either with a separate refill container or a pod for a larger number of puffs.

Advantages of hybrid e-cigarettes

1. Combination of convenience and flexibility: Easy to use like disposable vapes, but with the option of refilling.
2. No need to change coils: the permanently installed coils reduce maintenance work.
3. Legally compliant: Complies with TPD regulations.
4. Long-lasting vapor experience with up to 5000 puffs or more.

Alternatives to Big Puffs

Due to the new legislation, only prefilled pod systems with 2 ml are available as more environmentally friendly options for disposable vapes. Although these systems are a viable alternative, they are less suitable for heavy vapers as the pods have to be changed very frequently.

A promising alternative to the Big Puffs are refillable pod systems, where you can refill the e-liquid yourself. Although these systems require a little more effort, they offer the most cost-effective way to enjoy excellent flavors in an e-cigarette.

Options for using a hybrid system

1. with a refill container

One example is the Elf Bar AF5000 Pod Kit, which has a 10 ml refill container. The refill container is simply inserted into the hybrid disposable vape and held upside down for 10 seconds so that you can continue to enjoy a large number of puffs.

2. with a separate 10 ml bottle

One example is the Elf Bar EV5000 Refillable Starter Kit, which comes in the form of a disposable vape with a separate 10 ml bottle. This allows the vape to be refilled up to 5 times, which means you can enjoy up to 5000 puffs.

3. automatic refilling

One example is the Snowplus Click 5000, where the battery carrier is supplied separately from the 10 ml pods. After insertion, the integrated 2 ml tank fills up automatically.

4. 4-in-1 system

One example is the IVG 2400 and the SKE 4in1. With this system, you get 4 pods with the same or different flavors. All 4 pods can be inserted into the battery carrier at the same time. To vape the desired flavor, you only have to turn the pod and continue vaping.

Our position on the new TPD law

The TPD law has unfortunately led to more waste and a thriving black market for disposable nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and closed pod systems larger than 2ml in the countries where it has been implemented. Customers logically demand larger tanks and disposable devices that allow 1500 or more puffs. The restrictions of the TPD law are leading consumers to turn to illegal channels to meet their demand for such products. This has serious consequences as counterfeit, substandard and unhealthy products can enter the market without any safety standards and age verification. We firmly believe that a regulatory review is necessary to curb the black market and give consumers access to safe and regulated e-cigarettes.

Tank size and waste

Limiting the tank size will lead to more frequent replacement of disposable e-cigarettes and replacement pods, resulting in more waste and a negative carbon footprint. According to our calculations, this new law will produce at least seven times more waste. An example: A customer consumes 4000 puffs per week, which corresponds to an average of 570 puffs per day (2 ml tank). As a result, the consumer now needs 7 times more hardware to cover his needs.

Child safety and the 2 ml regulation

In the debate about limiting the tank size of e-cigarettes to 2 ml, the safety of children is often cited as a key argument. The concern is understandable: larger tanks could lead to children accidentally swallowing or consuming e-liquid. At first glance, this seems to be a reasonable justification, as the protection of children is undoubtedly the top priority.

However, 10 ml bottles of nicotine are already being sold in the EU and Switzerland. This raises the question of whether the 2-ml regulation for closed pod systems and disposable vapes is actually comprehensible. It is much easier to drink from a 10 ml bottle than to swallow a closed 2 ml disposable vape or pod. Common sense tells us that there is an error in reasoning here.

In addition, the likelihood of a child swallowing the liquid from a 2 ml pod or disposable vape is much lower or almost impossible, as these are closed systems. With a 10 ml bottle, on the other hand, the likelihood of a child accidentally swallowing or consuming the liquid is significantly higher, as it is easily accessible and easy to open despite the child safety lock.

So it seems questionable whether limiting the tank size to 2 ml actually addresses the child safety problem effectively, rather we see the interests of the tobacco lobby behind it.