Reliability assessment of lithium secondary batteries was mainly considered. Shape parameter (beta) and scale parameter (eta) were calculated from experimental data based on cycle life test. We also examined safety characteristics of lithium secondary batteries. As proposed by IEC 62133 (2002), we had performed all of the safety/abuse tests such as 'mechanical abuse tests', 'environmental abuse tests', 'electrical abuse tests'. This paper describes the cycle life of lithium secondary batteries, FMEA (failure modes and effects analysis) and the safety/abuse tests we had performed. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.