Tests spark probe of lithium-ion battery

General Motors is offering loan cars during the investigation into... — 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

By COMBINED WIRE SERVICESNovember 25, 2011

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.

NHTSA has opened a formal safety defect investigation of the batteries.

General Motors officials said previously that government officials didn't follow the carmaker's protocols for storing post-crash batteries.

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."

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