A Li-ion capacitor (LIC), typically composed of a pre-lithiated negative electrode and an activated-carbon positive electrode, can provide high energy and power density. In this work, we compare the electrochemical performances of pre-lithiated graphene nanosheets and conventional graphite as negative electrode materials for LICs. The LICs employing pre-lithiated graphene nanosheets show a specific capacitance of 168.5 F g−1 with 74% capacitance retention at 400 mA g−1 after 300 cycles. Moreover, the capacitors deliver a maximum power density of 222.2 W kg−1 at an energy density of 61.7 Wh kg−1, operated in the voltage range of 2.0–4.0 V. Therefore, pre-lithiated graphene nanosheets are promising negative electrode materials for high power LICs. Display omitted •Pre-lithiated graphene nanosheets are explored for Li-ion capacitors.•The Li-ion capacitors exhibit high energy and power density at high voltages.•Pre-lithiated graphene nanosheets are promising for high power Li-ion capacitors.