Lithium ion is probably the most advanced technology available for the packs of rechargeable batteries you purchased this holiday season. The batteries also power the vast majority of consumer devices, electric vehicles, and grid storage systems.
Despite their ubiquity, lithium-ion batteries have disadvantages. Metals used in the batteries are becoming expensive, and one crucial metal, cobalt, is relatively rare and has had recent media focus on questionable mining practices in some regions. Plus, the batteries can overheat and, when damaged, occasionally catch fire.