The present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte that includes a non-aqueous solvent and a lithium salt. The non-aqueous electrolyte contains a halogen-substituted ether compound represented by the general formula (I): R.sub.1 --O--R.sub.2 (I) wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl or halogen-substituted alkyl group having 2 or less carbon atoms and R.sub.2 is a halogen-substituted alkyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms. Additionally, the non-aqueous electrolyte contains at least one compound that is capable of dissolving the lithium salt in an amount of not less than 0.5 mol/liter. When this compound is added to the halogen-substituted ether compound, a mixed solvent is formed that is used as the non-aqueous solvent. The present invention also provides a lithium secondary battery that comprises a cathode that can be doped/undoped with lithium ions, an anode of a lithium metal or alloy or an anode that can be doped/undoped with lithium ions, and the non-aqueous electrolyte described above. A lithium secondary battery that uses the non-aqueous electrolyte of the present invention is superior in cycle life, in repeating charging/discharging and low-temperature capacity, is particularly superior in high-rate capacity, and causes little deterioration of high-rate capacity due to cycles.