This review attempts to critically discuss the progresses obtained in renewing the chemistry of lithium-ion and beyond lithium-ion batteries. The attention is focused on anode materials, including tin and silicon, graphene and conversion anodes, as well as on electrolytes, comprising polymers, solids, gels and ionic liquids. The paper shows that, although considerable progresses have been achieved in the latest few years, the development of the ideal lithium battery, having high energy density combined with low cost and total safety control, is still to be obtained. (C) 2015 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.