A rechargeable lithium battery is provided that includes a negative electrode including a negative active material, a positive electrode including a positive active material, and an electrolyte. The electrolyte includes a lithium salt and a non-aqueous organic solvent including from about 1 to about 20 volume % of a cyclic carbonate and from about 80 to about 99 volume % of a linear carbonate. The positive electrode has an active mass density of about 3.7 g/cc or greater. The rechargeable lithium battery shows improved cycle-life and storage characteristics at high temperatures, and good high rate characteristics.