We review recent ab initio molecular dynamics studies of electrode/electrolyte interfaces in lithium ion batteries. Our goals are to introduce experimentalists to simulation techniques applicable to models which are arguably most faithful to experimental conditions so far, and to emphasize to theorists that the inherently interdisciplinary nature of this subject requires bridging the gap between solid and liquid state perspectives. We consider liquid ethylene carbonate (EC) decomposition on lithium intercalated graphite, lithium metal, oxide-coated graphite, and spinel manganese oxide surfaces. These calculations are put in the context of more widely studied watersolid interfaces. Our main themes include kinetically controlled two-electron-induced reactions, the breaking of a previously much neglected chemical bond in EC, and electron tunneling. Future work on modeling batteries at atomic lengthscales requires capabilities beyond state-of-the-art, which emphasizes that applied battery research can and should drive fundamental science development. keywords: solid electrolyte interphase; ab initio molecular dynamics; lithium manganese oxide; ethylene carbonate; electron transfer 1 I. INTRODUCTION: BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Lithium ion batteries (LIB) are currently the devices being implemented or considered for large scale static and transportation energy storage. They carry high energy density and have the potential of dramatically reducing green house gas emission because they operate within a high voltage window. 1 Today's commercial LIBs (Fig. 1a) consist of graphitic carbon anodes, transition metal oxide cathodes, and organic solvent-based electrolyte. Other crucial LIB components include passivating "solid electrolyte interphase" (SEI) films formed from excess electron-induced electrolyte decomposition products on anode surfaces. 2-4 SEI films are heterogeneous in structure and consist of Li 2 CO 3 , ethylene dicarbonate (EDC), oligomeric/polymeric compounds, salt decomposition fragments, and other products. 2-4They prevent continuous electron injection into the electrolyte, averting further loss of Li + and electrolyte molecules. Li + transport through SEI films remains adequately fast. Oxidation products are also often found on cathode surfaces. New concepts of electrodes being pursued, such as Si-based anodes and "air" cathodes in metal-air batteries, share many solid-liquid interface features shown in Fig. 1a. LIBs are pragmatic devices. They combine our best electrochemical, solid, and liquid state expertise to deliver high volumetric and gravimetric energy/power densities. While all-solid batteries have received much attention for niche applications and all-liquid flow-cell batteries have significant potential for static storage, batteries featuring both liquid and solid components will undoubtedly dominate for the foreseeable future.It has been widely acknowledged that interfaces are critical for good performance and long lifetime in batteries. 5 To some extent, interfaces dictate the choice of electrode ...