NOVELTY - The reinforced negative electrode comprises a current collector (10) having a surface (14) and a layer of a lithium-accepting composition that is deposited on the surface and has embedded, uniformly-distributed, elongated, electrically-conducting, less than or equal to 20 wt.% of super elastic shape memory alloy reinforcements (12). The reinforcements are adapted to reversibly deform in concert with the lithium-accepting composition to limit loss of electrode material and assist in maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the electrode volume.    USE - The reinforced negative electrode is useful in a lithium ion battery (claimed) such as secondary or rechargeable lithium ion battery, which is useful as electric energy storage systems for powering electric and hybrid electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - The electrode increases the gravimetric and volumetric efficiency, charge-discharge characteristics, life-span and capacity of lithium ion batteries.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The reinforced negative electrode comprises a current collector (10) having a surface (14) and a layer of a lithium-accepting composition that is deposited on the surface and has embedded, uniformly-distributed, elongated, electrically-conducting, less than or equal to 20 wt.% of super elastic shape memory alloy reinforcements (12). The reinforcements are adapted to reversibly deform in concert with the lithium-accepting composition to limit loss of electrode material and assist in maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the electrode volume as the electrode material expands and contracts during charging and discharging of the battery. The shape memory alloy reinforcements are: metallurgically bonded to the lithium accepting composition; and fibers and elongated structures with features for mechanically engaging the lithium-accepting composition. The lithium-accepting composition has a thickness of 10-50 mu m. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for:    (1) a lithium ion battery; and    (2) a method of making a reinforced negative electrode for a lithium ion battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a schematic view of a random array of fiber reinforcements on a current collector.    Collector (10)    Reinforcements (12)    Surface. (14)