NOVELTY - The rechargeable lithium battery (100) comprises a cathode, a liquid electrolyte, an anode (108) and a separator, where the anode is partially coated or plated with a solid electrolyte. The cathode and the anode are positioned in relation to each other such that lithium ions traveling from one electrode to the other electrode pass through the liquid electrolyte and the solid electrolyte in series. The liquid electrolyte comprises a member consisting of an ionic liquid, an organic carbonate liquid, a liquid polymer and a gel electrolyte (102).    USE - The rechargeable lithium battery is useful: in a laptop computer, a cellular phone, consumer electronic products, electrical grid load-leveling devices and electrically powered vehicles; and for downhole oil drilling and gas exploration, defense and aerospace applications and back-up storage.    ADVANTAGE - The rechargeable lithium battery has high energy densities, safely operates over a wide range of temperature, and utilizes a graft copolymer electrolyte coating to protect the surface of the anode and prevent dendrite formation thus enhancing overall battery stability and cycle life.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The rechargeable lithium battery (100) comprises a cathode, a liquid electrolyte, an anode (108) and a separator, where the anode is partially coated or plated with a solid electrolyte. The cathode and the anode are positioned in relation to each other such that lithium ions traveling from one electrode to the other electrode pass through the liquid electrolyte and the solid electrolyte in series. The liquid electrolyte comprises a member consisting of an ionic liquid, an organic carbonate liquid, a liquid polymer and a gel electrolyte (102). The solid electrolyte comprises a member consisting of a solid polymer, a ceramic, a polymer-ceramic composite and a solid copolymer. The cathode is porous and infiltrated by the liquid electrolyte. The liquid electrolyte comprises a polymer ionic liquid (PIL) that comprises a low molecular weight polymer, a thermally stable ionic liquid and a lithium salt. The cathode comprises a binder comprising the solid electrolyte. The battery is roll-to-roll printed. The anode has an average thickness of 100 nm to 1 mu m. The anode is an ultra-thin lithium metal anode. The battery is flexible, and has a form consisting of a pouch, a prism, a cylindrical, and a thin film.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic view of a lithium battery.    Rechargeable lithium battery (100)    Gel electrolyte (102)    Cathode-electrolyte interface (104)    Protected lithium metal surface (106)    Anode. (108)