We describe and implement a method of extending the life of a LiFePO(4)/graphite lithium ion battery by replenishing the lost active lithium during cell operation and concomitant capacity fade. The approach may prove helpful in terms of increasing lithium ion cell life. After the cell had lost 30% of its capacity, analysis showed that the cell had not experienced significant impedance increase or cathode capacity loss, and the anode had lost about 5% of its storage capacity. The analysis confirmed that the loss of active lithium greatly outpaced the loss of capacity for either electrode and is responsible for cell capacity decay. The cathode was then discharged against an external lithium electrode to increase the amount of active lithium within the cell. About half of the lost capacity was recovered, and the cell cycled for 1500 more cycles. Active lithium replenishment from a reserve electrode may be an effective method of extending the life of lithium ion batteries. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.