The electrochemical intercalation of lithium ions into graphite was studied in various electrolytes. The first cycle is accompanied by the irreversible process attributed to the formation of a passivating layer. The reduction of Cl-EC and EC begins at potentials equal to 1.7 and 0.9 V vs. Li+/Li, respectively. The electrochemical behaviour is considerably affected by the nature of the salt. Contrary to LiBF4, a good cycleability is obtained with LiClO4 and LiAsF6. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.