Layered Li4NiTeO6 was shown to reversibly release/uptake ∼2 lithium ions per formula unit with fair capacity retention upon long cycling. The Li electrochemical reactivity mechanism differs from that of Li2MO3 and is rooted in the Ni(4+)/Ni(2+) redox couple, that takes place at a higher potential than conventional LiNi1-xMnxO2 compounds. We explain this in terms of inductive effect due to Te(6+) ions (or the TeO6(6-) moiety).