A rechargeable lithium cell comprising a cathode, an anode, an optional ion-permeable membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode, a non-flammable salt-retained liquefied gas electrolyte in contact with the cathode and the anode, wherein the electrolyte contains a lithium salt dissolved in or mixed with a liquefied gas solvent having a lithium salt concentration greater than 1.0 M so that the electrolyte exhibits a vapor pressure less than 1 kPa when measured at 20° C., a vapor pressure less than 60% of the vapor pressure of the liquefied gas solvent alone, a flash point at least 20 degrees Celsius higher than a flash point of the liquefied gas solvent alone, a flash point higher than 150° C., or no flash point, wherein the liquefied gas solvent is selected from methane, fluoromethane, difluoromethane, chloromethane, dichloromethane, ethane, fluoroethane, difluoroethane, tetrafluoroethane, chloroethane, dichloroethane, tetrachloroethane, propane, fluoropropane, chloropropane, ethylene, fluoroethylene, chloroethylene, or a combination thereof.