There is no doubt that work is being done on other types of batteries without Lithium and other expensive metals. We just have to remember that the problem is not to develop such batteries, but to have the same effect per weight.

W/kg. This is extremely important for EV and EL tools etc.

For example, where a petrol car weighs 1200 kg. weighs an equivalent in EV 2000kg., so materials that weigh more per kg/w are not interesting. In addition to efficiency, think about (EV is quite heavy, think about tires and safety)

But for storage alternative batteries could be interesting.