A subject of the invention is a mixture of solvents for the electrolyte of a lithium battery, which mixture of solvents comprises with respect to the volume of said mixture, 50 to 95% by volume of a linear ester of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.8 saturated acid, and 5 to 50% by volume of a C.sub.3 to C.sub.6 saturated cyclic carbonate and a C.sub.3 to C.sub.6 saturated linear carbonate, only one of the two carbonates being substituted by at least one halogen atom. The invention is also aimed at a lithium battery comprising a liquid electrolyte having this composition. The battery according to the invention is able to operate at temperatures which can range up to approximately -60.degree. C.A subject of the invention is also the use of a battery according to the invention at temperatures which can range up to -60.degree. C.