Carbon nanosprings (CNSs) with spring diameter of ∼140 nm, carbon ring diameter of ∼100 nm and pitch distance of ∼150 nm, synthesized by using a catalytic chemical vapor deposition technology, have been investigated for potential applicability in lithium batteries as anode materials. The electrochemical results demonstrate that the present CNSs are superior anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with high-rate capabilities, as well as long-term cycling life. At a current density as high as 3 A g−1, CNSs can still deliver a reversible capacity of 160 mA h g−1, which is about six times larger than that of graphite and three times larger than that of multi-wall carbon nanotubes under the same current density. After hundreds of cycles, there is no significant capacity loss for CNSs at both low and high current densities. The much improved electrochemical performances could be attributed to the nanometer-sized building blocks as well as the unusual spring-like morphology.