An electrolyte for a lithium battery and a lithium battery thereof are provided. The electrolyte includes a non-aqueous organic solvent; lithium salt; and an additive selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by formulas (1) to (3), and combinations thereof: ##STR00001## where X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl groups having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and aryl groups having from 6 to 8 carbon atoms, and R is an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an aryl group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms. The lithium battery including the electrolyte suggested in the present invention has superior overcharge characteristics and superior safety characteristics compared to conventional batteries including a non-aqueous electrolyte.