<p>The development of high-performance cathode materials is crucial for advancing the commercial viability of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Vanadium-based materials have emerged as promising cathode candidates due to their affordability and high capacity. However, challenges such as low electrical conductivity, structural instability, and sluggish Zn²⁺ diffusion kinetics continue to hinder their practical application. To address these limitations, we employed a hydrothermal synthesis approach to fabricate V₂O₅/rGO composites with an optimized three-dimensional conductive network. Through comprehensive material characterization and electrochemical analysis, we demonstrate the synergistic effects between V₂O₅ and rGO in promoting fast Zn²⁺ storage and transport. The V₂O₅/rGO cathode in a ZIB exhibits a high reversible capacity of 475.3 mAh·g^− 1 at 0.1&#xa0;A·g^− 1 and excellent cycling stability, maintaining 95.3% of its capacity after 1000 cycles at 5&#xa0;A·g^− 1. The incorporation of rGO enhances electrical conductivity, facilitates rapid electron transport, and increases the interlayer spacing of V₂O₅, thereby reducing the energy barrier for Zn²⁺ diffusion. These combined effects lead to improved ion mobility and charge storage efficiency. The outstanding electrochemical performance of this composite material makes it a strong candidate for high-performance, cost-effective zinc-ion batteries, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy storage technologies.</p>