Abstract Li 1.33 Ni 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 with highly ordered structure has been successfully synthesized via a simple co-precipitation process. Charge–discharge tests showed that the initial discharge capacities are 153.0 mAh g −1 and 128.9 mAh g −1 at 5 C (1000 mA g −1 ) and 10 C (2000 mA g −1 ) between 2.5 and 4.5 V, respectively. The average full-charge time of this material is less than 12 min at 5 C and 6 min at 10 C. The electrode material composed of the prepared showed a better cyclability. The excellent high rate performance is attributed to the improved ordered layered structure and the electrical conductivity. The excess Li shorten Li + diffusion distance between these submicron and nano-scaled particles. The results show that Li 1.33 Ni 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 cathode material has potential application in lithium ion batteries.