LiFePO4 nanorods composed of nanoparticles were synthesized from precursor phase Fe3(PO4)2(H2O)8 (vivianite) via hydrothermal reaction. Nanorods consisting of nanoparticles were formed by using L-(+)-ascorbic acid as reducing and capping agent. Near-theoretical specific capacity is achieved at 0.1 C rate with excellent retention capacity of up to 50 cycles. Morphology of as-synthesized samples favours fast intercalation/deintercalation process with easy mass and charge transfer. © 2015 Indian Academy of Sciences.