The use of electrolyte additives is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the performance of rechargeable batteries. Therefore, electrolyte additives as an energy storage technology have been widely studied in the field of batteries. In particular, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), utilized as a traditional solid electrolyte interface (SEI)-film formation additive for graphite anodes, has attracted increasing attention in both capacity-enlarged anodes (Li, Si, hard carbon, etc.) and some fundamental cathodes due to their unique properties. Herein, we summarize the progress of FEC as an additive in electrolyte solutions, including its origin, synthesis and application in different electrodes. This review will help readers understand the role of FEC as an electrolyte additive and how FEC is used to modify electrode materials to improve electrochemical energy storage device performance.