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• Nanosized VC was synthesized by disproportionation of V(IV) ions in molten salt. • The VC powder have excellent dispersibility and uniform size distribution. • The VC exhibits desirable electrochemical performances as an anode in LIBs and SIBs. • It is a new insight into the synthesis of high-performance carbide as anode in metal-ion batteries. Nanosized VC with an average particle size of ∼40 nm was synthesized by disproportionation of V(IV) ions on acetylene black template in molten (Na,K)Cl at 950 °C holding for 5 h. The as-synthesized VC has exhibited desirable electrochemical performances as an anode in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), delivered a reversible discharge capacity of 597.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and ∼397.8 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 in 200 consecutive cycles. It is noteworthy that nanosized VC also displayed impressive charge-discharge capacities in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), released ∼252.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. This work provides a new insight into the preparation of high-performance carbide ceramics as anodes in metal-ion batteries. [Display omitted] Well-distributed nanosized VC was synthesized by a convenient and efficient synthesis method, utilizing disproportionation reaction of V(IV) in molten salt, exhibits excellent electrochemical performances in lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]