The impact of the electrolyte additives methyl phenyl carbonate, ethyl phenyl carbonate, and diphenyl carbonate was evaluated in Li[Ni0.33Mn0.33Co0.33]O2/graphite pouch cells with or without 2% vinylene carbonate. Experiments included high precision coulometry, automated storage, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on symmetric cells and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis, electrochemical studies during the first charge and impedance spectroscopy on symmetric cells indicated that phenyl carbonates act as solid electrolyte interphase modifiers rather than formers. High precision coulometry showed that cells containing 1–4 wt% methyl phenyl carbonate, ethyl phenyl carbonate or diphenyl carbonate had similar coulombic efficiencies and charge-endpoint capacity slippage as cells filled with 2 wt% vinylene carbonate. Impedance spectroscopy showed that cells containing phenyl carbonates have substantially lower impedance than cells filled with 2 wt% vinylene carbonate and produced minimal volumes of gas during cell use. Results presented in the report show that phenyl carbonates are competitive additives for 4.2 V class cells and should lead to good cycle life, low polarization and low gas evolution during normal use. Phenyl carbonates can also be used as gas-producing safety agents (to trip pressure activated disconnects) in combination with vinylene carbonate in cylindrical or prismatic cells without adverse effects.