xLiH+M composites, where M=Mg or Ti, are suggested as new candidates for negative electrode for Li-ion batteries. For this purpose, the xLiH+M electrode is prepared using the mechanochemical reaction: MH x + xLi→ xLiH+M or by simply grinding a xLiH+M mixture. The most promising electrochemical behaviour is obtained with the (2LiH+Mg) composite prepared via a mechanochemical reaction between MgH2 and metallic Li leading to a very divided composite in which Mg crystallites of 20nm size are embedded in a LiH matrix. Reversible capacities of 1064mAhg−1 (three times as much as the one of graphite) and 600mAhg−1 are reached for these phase mixtures after 1 and 28h of grinding in vertical and planetary mill, respectively. The (2LiH+Ti) mixture prepared via the mechanochemical reaction between TiH2 and Li exhibits a reversible capacity of 428mAhg−1. From X-ray diffraction measurements, the performances of the electrodes are attributed to the electrochemical conversion reaction: M+ xLiH↔MH x + xLi+ + xe− (M=Mg, Ti) followed for M=Mg by an alloying process where M reacts with lithium ions to form Mg1−x Li x alloys.