Graphene–metal oxide composites as anode materials for Li-ion batteries have been investigated extensively, but these attempts are mostly limited to moderate rate charge–discharge applications. Here, graphene–nickel oxide nanostructures have been synthesised using a controlled hydrothermal method, which enabled in situ formation of NiO with a coralloid nanostructure on graphene. Graphene/NiO (20%), graphene/NiO (50%) and pure NiO show stable discharge capacities of 185mAh/g at 20C (1C=300mA/g), 450mAh/g at 1C, and 400mAh/g at 1C, respectively. High rate capability and good stability in prolonged charge–discharge cycling permit the application of the material in fast charging batteries for upcoming electric vehicles. To the best of our knowledge such fast rate performance of graphene/metal oxide composite as anode and such stability for pure NiO as anode have not been reported previously.