Successes since 1950s:
Mercury buttons (1930s) > Alkaline. Silver Oxide, Zinc Air & Lithium depending on application.
NiCd (1940s) > NiMH. Sometimes better than Lithium Ion. > Lithium Ion
Lead Acid > Lithium Ion > LiFePO4, but not for engine starters. SLA/Gel now entirely replaceable LiFePO4.
Zinc Carbon (1880s) > Alkaline > Zinc Air (hearing aids & Cattle Fencers).
Large Lithium Ion > LiFePO4
The LiFePO4 is still improving, safer, still dropping in price. Maybe 15 year life!