<p>Layered V₂O₅·H₂O (vanadium pentoxide hydrate) is a highly promising cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries owing to its large interlayer space, variable V valence states, and unique interlayer H₂O. However, the low electronic conductivity and easily exfoliated lattice layers lead to its poor charge transport kinetics and lattice stability. In this regard, we develop a ternary transition metal ions pre-intercalation strategy, where ternary Ni/Mn/Cu cations are successfully pre-intercalated into V₂O₅·H₂O by one-step hydrothermal method. It is revealed that Mn cation activates the additional Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺ redox reaction, and ternary Ni/Mn/Cu cations cause the strong ion column effect, induce the highest p-band center of O, and improve the electrical conductivity, thus simultaneously enhancing the lattice stability and charge transport kinetics. As a result, the energy density of 391 Wh kg⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ and the high-rate capability with a capacity of 240&#xa0;mAh&#xa0;g⁻¹ at 3 A g⁻¹ after 600 cycles are achieved. Besides, the electrochemical reaction mechanism is revealed to be H⁺ intercalation at high potentials, and followed Zn²⁺ intercalation at low potentials, and Zn²⁺ intercalation contributes most of the capacity (&gt; 65%) and H⁺ intercalation promotes the optimization of electrochemical performance.</p> Graphical abstract