A nonaqueous electrolyte includes a nonaqueous solvent and an alkali metal salt dissolved in the nonaqueous solvent. The nonaqueous solvent contains a polar organic solvent, a perfluoropolyether, and a diester compound represented by a formula R1—O—C(═O)—[—(CF2)—]a—C(═O)—O—R2, where a is an integer of 1 to 4, and each of R1 and R2 represents one selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 4 and a hydrocarbon group which has a carbon number of 1 to 4 and in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with fluorine.