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In my observation of the automotive industry, they have always been very slow to adopt new technology. When did tape decks stop being standard, like 5 year ago? Cars are barely getting LED indicator lamps even though those colors have existed for decades, and I had built my own replacements in 1999.
That said, lithium based chemistries require more complex management and presents hazards that don't exist with lead acid batteries. They can't be charged below freezing without thermal management. They can't be charged too quickly without thermal management. They can't be overcharged, period.
I'm all about losing the lead acid battery, but but engineering for them is dead simple. How many fires are the result of a lead acid battery accident?
Airlines started incorporating lithium ion based chemistries but had safety issues. Of all the industries trying to reduce weight and volume, it's aerospace.
The holy grail is an energy dense battery that poses near zero risk of catastrophic failure and can operate in a range of conditions. It doesn't exist yet.
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