LiV3O8 cathode has been synthesized by two simple low temperature methods without involving the melting of V2O5 and characterized by X-ray diffraction. scanning electron microscopy (SEM), discharge-charge measurements in lithium cells and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). While the first method involves the heating of the components in H-2 at 500 degrees C followed by in N-2 at 600 degrees C, the second method involves the dispersion of the components in methanol followed by evaporating the solvent and heating at 500 degrees C in N-2 atmosphere. The samples exhibit a high capacity of around 230 mAh g(-1) at 0.5 mA cm(-2) and 25 degrees C in a narrow voltage range of 2-3.5 V with excellent cyclability at -30 to 60 degrees C. Additionally, the samples exhibit superior safety characteristics compared to the currently used LiCoO2 cathode as indicated by the absence of exothermic peaks (DSC) up to 450 degrees C in the charged state. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.