When did vapes come out?

E-cigarettes did not emerge at a single point in time. Their development has gone through a long process from the early concept to the modern commercial product. The modern electronic cigarettes we are familiar with today are generally believed to have been invented by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in 2003 and successfully commercialized in 2004.
The following are several key time points in the development history of electronic cigarettes:
Early Concepts and Prototypes (1920s - 1960s)
1927: American Joseph Robinson applied for the patent for the first "electric vaporizer", which was approved in 1930. This is considered one of the earliest records of the concept of electronic cigarettes, but it was not commercialized.
In 1963: American Herbert A. Gilbert invented the "smokeless smokeless cigarette" device and obtained a patent in 1965. His design principle was very similar to that of modern electronic cigarettes, and he manufactured a prototype, but it also failed to be successfully launched onto the market.
In the 1980s: The terms "vape" and "vaping" began to emerge. The earliest known usage of the word "vape" can be traced back to an article published in 1983 that described the concept of "non-burning cigarettes".
The Birth and Commercialization of Modern Electronic Cigarettes (2000s)
2003: Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik invented the first commercially successful electronic cigarette product. His inspiration for this invention was to find a safer way to inhale nicotine. The death of his father from lung cancer due to smoking had a significant impact on him.
In 2004: Han Li's products were officially launched in China. His founded brand "Ruyan" began to be sold, marking the birth of the modern electronic cigarette industry.
Global Expansion and Popularization (2006 - Present)
2006 - 2007: Electronic cigarettes began to enter the international market. They entered the European market in 2006 and the US market in 2007.
Since 2009: With the popularity in the European and American markets, the Chinese electronic cigarette supply chain centered in Shenzhen began to provide the majority of products for the global market.
Since 2018: The e-cigarette market has once again become very popular in China, with numerous brands emerging such as RELX, YOOZ, and vvild.
In summary, the complete timeline of e-cigarettes is as follows:
1927/1930: Joseph Robinson proposed the concept of "electric evaporator".
1963/1965: Herbert Gilbert invented "smokeless cigarettes" and obtained a patent for it.
In 1983: The term "vape" was first recorded and used.
In 2003: Han Li invented the first successful modern electronic cigarette.
In 2004: The "Raghu" brand was launched, marking the commercialization of electronic cigarettes.
2006/2007: Entered the European and American markets.