Batteries play a critical role in modern society. The electrification of transportation and deep decarbonization of the energy infrastructure require the development and deployment of high energy, low-cost battery materials and technologies. Among the many different battery chemistries investigated, rechargeable batteries using lithium metal anode remain as one of the most feasible approaches for next generation high-performance and low-cost batteries. Here we will discuss and summarize the progresses and status of the research supported by the Battery500 Consortium. The consortium addresses both fundamental level materials and mechanistic problems and cell level integration and manufacturing challenges. The scope includes developing new electrolytes to reduce the side reactions and improve lithium metal deposition/stripping efficiency, improving cathode cycling stability and cathode utilization, understanding and controlling solid electrolyte interfacial reactions, cell design, optimization and validation. The consortium has made significant progress towards high energy cells (>350 Wh kg^-1) and stable cycling life (>600 cycles). The research from the consortium also sheds new lights on the degradation and failure mechanisms of high energy lithium cells and the associated the interfacial reactions.