Li1+xV3O8 (LT-M sample) was obtained by the sol-gel method in CH3OH. This sample, prepared at 350 degrees C, possessed a smaller grain size and better electrochemical performance than the HT sample prepared by conventional high temperature synthesis. High discharge capacity (372 mAh g(-1) : x = 4.0) and reversible discharge and charge cycles were attained owing to improvement of insertion and extraction kinetics. When heated at 200 degrees C, CH3OH molecules remained in the compound and crystallinity became lower by lithium insertion over x = 2.0. The lithium deintercalation was irreversible.