The electrochemical characteristics of LiV3O8 have been investigated with respect to its use as anode material in a new type of rechargeable battery system. LiV3O8 reversibly intercalated/deintercalated Li+ cations at potentials below the evolution potential of hydrogen in a neutral aqueous solution. Thus, it could be used as anode material in an aqueous battery system without causing the kinetic electrolysis of water. A battery cell consisting of a combination of a LiCoO2/LiNi1−xCoxO2 solid solution (i.e. LiNi0.81Co0.19O2) as cathode material, LiV3O8 as anode material and a 1 M-Li2SO4 (or LiCl) aqueous solution as electrolyte was constructed. With an output voltage of 1–1.2 V, a total capacity of about 45 mAh/g (weight of anode+cathode) could be obtained. Concerning the stability, 70% of the discharge capacity remained after 30 charge/discharge cycles. The loss in capacity is attributed to a deterioration of the crystal structure. The results indicate the possibility for the development of a safe and low-cost aqueous lithium ion battery.