An electrolyte system for an electrochemical cell having an electrode comprising a chalcogen-containing electroactive material is provided, along with methods of making the electrolyte system. The electrolyte system includes one or more lithium salts dissolved in one or more solvents. The salts have a concentration in the electrolyte of greater than or equal to about 2M to less than or equal to about 5M. The electrochemical cell including the electrolyte system has a minimum potential greater than or equal to about 0.8 V to less than or equal to about 1.8 V and a maximum charge potential of greater than or equal to about 2.5 V to less than or equal to about 3 V.