Zinc-air batteries, a century-old technology, have recently regained attention due to their high energy density and low cost compared to lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are considered a viable option for powering electric vehicles. However, several technical challenges remain, including issues with zinc electrodes, electrolytes, separators, and air catalysts. This review discusses the fundamentals, challenges, and recent advancements in zinc-air battery research. It covers the components of the system, from zinc electrodes and electrolytes to air electrodes and oxygen electrocatalysts, both for primary and rechargeable types. The detrimental effect of CO2 on battery performance is also highlighted, along with possible solutions. Other metal-air batteries are briefly compared to zinc-air batteries. The review aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the rapidly evolving field of zinc-air technology.Zinc-air batteries, a century-old technology, have recently regained attention due to their high energy density and low cost compared to lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are considered a viable option for powering electric vehicles. However, several technical challenges remain, including issues with zinc electrodes, electrolytes, separators, and air catalysts. This review discusses the fundamentals, challenges, and recent advancements in zinc-air battery research. It covers the components of the system, from zinc electrodes and electrolytes to air electrodes and oxygen electrocatalysts, both for primary and rechargeable types. The detrimental effect of CO2 on battery performance is also highlighted, along with possible solutions. Other metal-air batteries are briefly compared to zinc-air batteries. The review aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the rapidly evolving field of zinc-air technology.