Ternary oxides with general formula MMoO4 (where M is a 3d-transitional metal) were characterized as cathode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries by galvanostatic charge–discharge technique and cyclic voltammetry. The significant capacity fading after the first cycle of lithium insertion/removal takes place for different copper molybdates (α-CuMoO4 and high-pressure modification CuMoO4-III) corresponding to the irreversible copper reduction and formation of Li2MoO4 during the first discharge. X-ray powder diffraction data reveal the decomposition of pristine ZnMoO4 by electrochemical reaction, lithium zinc oxide with the NaCl-type structure and Li2MoO3 seem to be formed. Lithium intercalation into nickel and iron molybdates is shown to proceed without phase transitions, but at unsatisfactory low operating voltages.