Novel lithium titanate hydrate nanotubes for lithium ion batteries have been easily prepared via a hydrothermal method This material demonstrates high energy density outstanding rate capabilities and a very long cycle life comparable to those of supercapacitors At a rate equivalent to a 10 mm total charge/discharge the as-prepared lithium titanate hydrate nanotubes exhibit a life of over 5000 charge/discharge cycles while still retaining up to 86 3% of its original capacity The abilities of lithium titanate hydrate nanotubes to fully charge within minutes for thousands of times and still retain a large capacity may find promising applications in hybrid and plug in hybrid electric vehicles (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved