The disclosure provides a multi-layer prelithiated anode including (a) a conducting substrate having a first primary surface and a second primary surface; (b) a first layer of lithium metal deposited onto the first primary surface of the conducting substrate; (c) a first graphitic layer that substantially covers the first lithium metal layer; and (d) a first anode active layer deposited on a primary surface of the first graphitic layer. The first anode active layer includes an anode active material. Also provided are a lithium battery including such a prelithiated anode and a method of producing such an anode.