The reactivity between charged Li[NixMnyCoz]O2 (NMC, with x + y + z = 1, x:y:z = 1:1:1 (NMC111), 4:4:2 (NMC442), 5:3:2 (NMC532), 6:2:2 (NMC622) and 8:1:1 (NMC811)) and traditional carbonate-based electrolytes at elevated temperatures was systematically studied using accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC). The ARC results showed that the upper cut-off potential and NMC composition strongly affect the thermal stability of the various NMC grades when traditional carbonate-based electrolyte was used. Although higher cut-off potential and higher Ni content can help increase the energy density of lithium ion cells, these factors generally increase the reactivity between charged NMC and electrolyte at elevated temperatures. It is hoped that this report can be used to help guide the wise selection of NMC grade and upper cut-off potential to achieve high energy density Li-ion cells without seriously compromising cell safety.