The present invention relates to a lithium ion battery, more particularly to a new electrolyte for a lithium ion battery, the new electrolyte comprising a compound which is either 4-carbomethoxymethyl 1,3-dioxan-2-one or 4-carboethoxymethyl 1,3-dioxan-2-one. Each of these compounds comprises a cyclic ring carbonate structure and a linear carbonate structure. The battery also comprises an anode including graphitized carbon and a cathode including a lithium transition metal oxide, and exhibits a superior charge-discharge life cycle characteristic and low temperature performance.