Most EV batteries do not use nickel or cobalt, they are LFP. Lower cost but also lower range. Leaving the lab and in early production are high density silicon nano particles. High w/kg and the potential to be lower cost for the same range. Sodium batteries are in production with lower cost and wider temperature range.

You are right it is all about the battery. The are continuously improving. They are Trillion dollar markets at stake. Climate change was the catalyst but battery economics have reached a critical mass.