Chevy Volt Batteries Catching on Fire

Just in case you needed another reason not to buy the inefficient, expensive Chevy Volt, here's another:

Federal officials say they are investigating the safety of 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 afterward, and in another the battery emitted smoke and sparks.

Last May, a fire erupted in the battery of a Chevy Volt that had been damaged during a government crash test three weeks earlier. Last week's tests were an attempt to replicate the May fire.

Often times, batteries used in hybrid vehicals like the Chevy Volt must be disposed of overseas. Why? The batteries are so toxic, they do not meet EPA standards here in the United States. Seems like they don't meet car safety standards, either.