Rechargeable lithium batteries that can be assembled in the discharged state with lithiated metal oxide cathodes and carbon anodes are being developed to minimize the safety hazards associated with batteries that use pure metallic lithium anodes. This paper reviews crystallographic aspects of insertion electrodes with layered (Li(x)MO(2)) and spinel (Li(x)M(2)O(4)) structures (M = Co, Ni, Mn, V). The use of Li4Ti5O12 (spinel) instead of Lithiated carbon (LiC6) as the anode is briefly discussed. Emphasis is placed on the structural properties of insertion electrodes that control their stability during electrochemical cycling.