The rechargeable lithium-ion battery has been extensively used in mobile communication and portable instruments due to its many advantages, such as high volumetric and gravimetric energy density and low self-discharge rate. In addition, it is the most promising candidate as the power source for (hybrid) electric vehicles and stationary energy storage. For these applications in durable equipment, the long-term cycling and storage behaviour becomes of increasing interest. In this paper, the mechanisms of lithium-ion battery ageing are reviewed and evaluated.