This invention relates to intermetallic negative electrode compounds for non-aqueous, electrochemical lithium cells and batteries. More specifically, the invention relates to one or more electrode components or compositions, one of which contains the basic structural unit of a MM′3 intermetallic compound, in which M and M′ are comprised of one or more metals. The MM′3 intermetallic electrode compounds can be mixed, blended or integrated with one or more other intermetallic compounds, such as isostructural M3M′ compounds. The electrodes are of particular use in rechargeable lithium-ion cells and batteries in numerous applications such as portable electronic devices, medical devices, space, aeronautical and defense-related devices and in transportation applications such as electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.