The growth of V6O13 films is reported for the first time. We have investigated the structural, optical, and electrical properties of flash-evaporated polycrystalline films and how these properties are affected by different thin-film preparation conditions. The highest quality films were grown on silicon substrate maintained at 250 degrees C. Microbatteries fabricated with cathode formed at moderate temperature exhibit a monotonous discharge voltage curve, indicating that the material remains in a single phase even for high degree of lithium intercalation. For cathode films prepared at 250 degrees C, lithium diffusivity is 10(-13) cm(2) s(-1) in LixV6O13.