In recent years consistent attention has been devoted to novel types of lithium rechargeable batteries in which the metal anode is replaced by a lithium‐source anode. The general interest in these batteries, often called rocking‐chair batteries, has increased consistently; however, the idea of exploiting the rocking lithium systems for achieving improvements in safety and cycle life is not new, but dates back to the beginning of the eighties. In this paper we critically review the progress in this area and discuss the impact that rocking chair systems may have on the future of lithium battery technology.