Advanced batteries are critical for achieving high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) and supporting goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The prevailing rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using liquid electrolytes, are the major choice for current EVs. However, these LIBs still suffer from safety, lifespan, and energy density issues. Solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs) have recently emerged as alternative energy storage devices for next-generation EVs due to their ability to overcome intrinsic disadvantages presented by flammable liquid electrolytes, thus solving a major safety issue. SSLBs can achieve greater volumetric energy density and last longer without compromising safety or power, thanks to solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to replace traditional liquid electrolytes in LIBs. This proposal aims to develop high-performance anodes for next-generation SSLBs that offer improved safety and performance. Metallic lithium and graphite/silicon high-capacity anodes will be applied and optimized for SSLBs. Meanwhile, various novel surface modification methods will be used to address anode/SSE interfaces challenges.