GM Getting Probed By Government After Lithium Ion Battery Fires

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an investigation on General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) due to fire risks. One of the Chevrolet Volt battery packs was being closely monitored after the government did a crash test and it caught on fire. Another recent crash test caused the battery to emit smoke and sparks.

GM was informed by the NHTSA about the investigation on Friday. GM responded by saying that the Volt is safe and and does not present any undue risk as part of normal operations of the car or after a severe crash.

So far there has not been any fires reported in roadway crashes said the NHTSA. Over 5,000 Chevy Volts have been sold thus far.

“GM knows real time about any crash significant enough to potentially compromise battery integrity,” said the company in a statement. “Since July, GM has implemented a post-crash protocol that includes the depowering of the battery after a severe crash, returning the battery to a safe and low-powered state.”

GM also pointed out that the NHTSA did not drain the battery of energy based on the company’s crash procedures. The NHTSA usually drains fuel from gasoline-powered cars after crash testing.

[MSNBC/AP]

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