The current energy related research context involves imperative evolution towards electrification of transportation and renewable energy integration.  This challenges batteries to achieve maximum energy density and long life at low cost while being environmentally friendly (Next Generation Batteries was ranked as the #2 game-changing technology by the World Economic Forum in Davos 2016). The talk will introduce battery basics and chemistries and describe the current state-of-the art in terms of materials and bottlenecks. Finally, current research trends and perspectives will also be discussed through relevant specific examples.