Novel advances in experiments and computations are providing fresh insights into the yet unsolved puzzle of obtaining smooth Li plating and stripping events in Li-metal batteries. And the “always blamed” solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer remains the center of the controversy. In this talk, we will discuss the role of the electrolyte structure and concentration, including high concentrated and localized high-concentrated electrolytes among others. We will focus on the role of each type of SEI layer (LiF, Li₂CO₃, Li₂O, LiOH) on the cation deposition and stripping events. The possibility of artificial coatings will be investigated. The analysis is based on our first principles computations and experimental results from our collaborators and from the literature.