A nonaqueous electrolyte for a battery having explosion inhibiting properties includes an organic solvent and a lithium salt. A benzene-substituted phosphate derivative is provided at a level in a range from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight. The benzene-substituted phosphate derivative can be expressed by the following formula: ##STR00001## wherein R represents a halogen-substituted C1-C8 alkyl or allyl compound or an unsubstituted C1-C8 alkyl or allyl compound, and n is an integer between 1 and 3.