The last big battery bump we've had was the change from NiMH to Li-Ion...since then, changes and improvements have been incremental to keep up with increased processing demands in devices like phones and computers, but nothing so dramatic as that chemical transition.
Currently, the single biggest impact on battery life is available, physical space...the more cells you can pack into an area, the longer charge you will have. The difference in technology today vs 20 years ago, or even 10 years ago is staggering. I am hopeful that the next big jump in battery technology is around the corner. Li-Ion is not the final solution...but I don't know what is.
This is an image I love to show people (particularly my high school Tech classes) to demonstrate the strides battery tech has made. On the right, is the battery pack out of an EV1, circa 1997. 16kWh, Lead-Acid composition, total vehicle range about 120 miles (on a good day). To the left is the battery pack out of an Volt, circa 2011. 17.1 kWh, Li-Ion composition, total electric range of about 50 miles, however, they never ran the battery down past 50% charge for longevity purposes. So...approximately the same charge capacity...but less than half the size, and ⅓ the weight.
And this is what GM's "battery family" looks like today...from left to right is a first-gen Volt, second-gen Volt, Spark EV, and Bolt.
