A type of voltaic cell containing lithium or lithium compounds. The most commonly used has a metallic lithium anode and a manganese dioxide (MnO₂) cathode, the electrolyte being a solution of lithium salts in an organic solvent. Batteries of this type have an output of about 3 volts. They are more expensive than alkaline batteries, but last longer. Li-MnO₂ batteries are also produced in a flat disk form for use in digital watches and other small portable devices. A number of other more specialized lithium primary batteries are available but are not in general use.

The lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable cell. The anode is carbon and the cathode is a metal oxide (e.g. cobalt(IV) oxide, CoO₂). The electrolyte is a lithium salt such as the borate (LiBO₄) or chlorate (LiClO₄) in an organic solvent. The action of the cell depends on movement of Li ions between anode and cathode with oxidation of the cobalt ions during charging and reduction during discharge. Lithium-ion batteries are light and have a low self-discharge rate, although the capacity does deteriorate with age. They are extensively used in mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and similar devices, as well as electric cars.