ELECTROLYTES COMPRISING ALKYL ALKANOATES, KETONES, AND/OR NITRILES AS PRIMARY ORGANIC SOLVENTS FOR BATTERIES THAT CYCLE LITHIUM IONS

A battery that cycles lithium ions includes an electrolyte including an organic solvent and a lithium salt in the organic solvent. The organic solvent includes greater than or equal to 70 weight percent of a primary solvent including an alkyl alkanoate, ketone, nitrile, or a combination thereof. The electrolyte beneficially may be used in a battery that includes a positive electrode including an electroactive material including a layered nickel-rich lithium transitional metal oxide.