Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 and Ru-doped Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 with the formulation of Li 4 Ti 4.99 Ru 0.01 O 12 were prepared by a modified solid-state method. The structure and electrochemical properties of the as-prepared powders were systematically investigated. Li 4 Ti 4.99 Ru 0.01 O 12 exhibited an excellent rate capability with a discharge capacity of 146mAhg −1 at 1C, 126mAhg −1 at 5C, 119mAhg −1 at 10C and even 107mAhg −1 at 20C. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) reveal that the Li 4 Ti 4.99 Ru 0.01 O 12 exhibited the improved electronic conductivity and higher lithium-ion diffusivity than that of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 . The novel Li 4 Ti 4.99 Ru 0.01 O 12 material stands as a promising potentially high rate anode material for the lithium ion batteries.