Abstract: Since their invention more than 200 years ago, “galvanic cells” have been developed as versatile electrochemical storage devices – with storage capacities extending over 8 orders of magnitude; from small and ultrastable batteries for medical devices to large-scale grid storage systems. In this lecture, the current status of high-performance batteries will be briefly reviewed, and the most important cell concepts will be discussed (lithium ion batteries, sodium ion batteries, solid state batteries, post-lithium concepts). The role of solid state chemistry and electrochemistry, along with organic/polymer chemistry and materials science will be highlighted. Two major examples for remaining challenges will be presented in more details, i.e., the quest for even higher energy densities and the search for cell concepts with less critical supply chains. In any example, the critical role of controlling chemical reactivity will be emphasized