A lithium/silver vanadium oxide cell is disclosed that includes an improved electrolyte composition having the solvents propylene carbonate and 1,2-dimethoxyethane, and an additional third solvent that reduces the solubility of the composition of the silver vanadium cathode material. Preferably, the third solvent is a dialkyl carbonate such as dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate or ethylmethyl carbonate. The improved electrolyte composition reduces the build up of resistance in the cell during cell discharge, and can affect the cell's performance in implantable cardiac defibrillator applications.