Novel lithium titanate hydrate nanotubes for lithium ion batteries have been easily prepared via a hydrothermal method. This material demonstrates high energy density, outstanding rate capabilities and a very long cycle life comparable to those of supercapacitors. At a rate equivalent to a 10-min total charge/discharge, the as-prepared lithium titanate hydrate nanotubes exhibit a life of over 5000 charge/discharge cycles while still retaining up to 86.3% of its original capacity. The abilities of lithium titanate hydrate nanotubes to fully charge within minutes for thousands of times and still retain a large capacity may find promising applications in hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.