Advancement of smart electronics, evolution of wearable devices, and growing interest in electric vehicles have created significant needs for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density that provide longer usage time, smaller size, and extended driving range, respectively. Since its introduction to market in 1991, the energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has increased significantly, which has been possible through innovation in materials technologies and cell engineering. To meet market’s expectation for LIBs as power sources for electric vehicles and next generation mobile devices, however, further breakthroughs are needed, especially in active materials. In this presentation, recent status and progress in active materials in commercial high energy density LIBs will be discussed.