Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery including a non-aqueous organic solvent, a lithium salt, and an additive, wherein the additive is a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1: The compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 and/or its oxide may participate in one or more electrochemical reactions to form a robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, and may also improve the stability of other electrolyte components against oxidative decomposition.