[AftHurrahWinch]

Gasoline has an energy density of about 34.6 MJ/liter... the lithium-ion battery pack in a Chevy Volt has an energy density of about 0.4 MJ/liter.

One of those technologies is easier to develop than the other. Science doesn't need to be deterministic for some fruit to hang lower than others.

[rini17]

Zinc-air batteries were known for a long time, with double energy density of today's lithium batteries, and without expensive materials. But no one seriously tried to commercialize them for use in vehicles, they ended up in niche - hearing aids.