Cycle performance of a LiAl0.10Ni0.76Co0.14O2 (NCA) cathode/graphite cell closely depended on the range of depth of discharge in charge discharge processes (Delta DOD). When Delta DOD was 10-70%, cycle performance at 25 degrees C was maintained even at 60 degrees C. Deterioration phenomena were analyzed by electrochemical method, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and micro-cracks in NCA particles were analyzed with cross-sectional views by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Many micro-cracks were observed only after a 0-100% DOD region cycle test. Cycle tests in several restricted Delta DOD conditions showed that the deterioration was closely related to not the upper and lower limits of DOD or operation voltage but the width of Delta DOD. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.