Tests spark probe of lithium-ion battery
General Motors is offering loan cars during the investigation into fires linked to the Chevy Volt's lithium battery. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began the investigation after a second battery fire following crash-testing of the electric car. (Nov. 25, 2011) Credit: AP
Federal officials say they are investigating the safety of the lithium-ion battery in General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet Volt after a second battery fire following crash-testing of the electric car.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday that three Volt battery packs were crash-tested last week. In one instance, the battery caught fire, and in another the battery emitted smoke and sparks.
Last May, a fire erupted in a battery that had been damaged during a government crash test three weeks earlier.
In a statement, NHTSA said "It is too soon to tell whether the investigation will lead to a recall of any vehicles or parts . . . Chevy Volt owners whose vehicles have not been in a serious crash do not have reason for concern."
General Motors Co. reiterated that message: "The Volt is safe and does not present undue risk as part of normal operation or immediately after a severe crash."
'I've never seen fire sitting on the water' Three Newsday photographers talk to NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland about covering the tragic crash of TWA Flight 800 in 1996.
'I've never seen fire sitting on the water' Three Newsday photographers talk to NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland about covering the tragic crash of TWA Flight 800 in 1996.
