The preliminary performance characteristics of a graphite//LiVP2O7 lithium-ion cell are described. The diphosphate active material was prepared using a carbothermal reduction approach. Contrary to previous reports, we found that the LiVP2O7 cathode shows encouraging electrochemical performance characterized by good material utilization and low voltage polarization. A cathode specific capacity approaching 100 mAh/g was recorded under low rate conditions. In addition, preliminary constant current testing at C/5 and C/10 indicates that the graphite//LiVP2O7 system cycles with relatively low capacity fade characteristics. The diphosphate based lithium-ion cell may be suitable for some low rate applications. (c) 2005 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.