The present invention relates to additives for electrolytes of lithium ion secondary batteries that include one or more of the following: 1,3-propane sultone, succinic anhydride; ethenyl sulfonyl benzene, and halobenzene. It can also include biphenyl, cyclohexylbenzene; and vinylene carbonate. The weight of said 1,3-propane sultone is between 0.5 wt. % and 96.4 wt. %, said succinic anhydride is between 0.5 wt. % and 96.4 wt. %; said ethenyl sulfonyl benzene is between 0.5 wt. % and 95.2 wt. %; and said halobenzene is between 0.5 wt. % and 95.2 wt. % of the weight of the additive. Batteries with electrolytes containing said additives have improved over-charge characteristics and low temperature properties, and reduced gas generation during charging and discharging.