This review critically discusses various aspects of the commercial electrode materials in Li-ion batteries. The development of commercial electrode technology for Li-ion batteries will be heavily influenced by the increasing demand of the electric vehicle (EV) market. Commercial LiBs are expected to fulfil the long-standing requirements of the EV industries which include lower costs and longer ranges. In the short term EVs will rely heavily on the further development of preexisting battery technologies which are relatively mature. However, these battery systems have theoretical specific energy density limitations.