Hmmm, what type do the Volt, leaf use? Most new drills? Any one?
Looks like a whole lot o fires coming to this good old U.S.A..
The technology is changing from Li-ion to Li-polymer. Lipo's are touted to be safer, but that is conjecture.
Here is a video of a Lipo being mechanically damaged and catching fire.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OsBc8RqSKU
Lithium batteries will be much sought after due to their light weight. They are hazardous and potentially dangerous. Most of the problems have been swept under the carpet.
Whether they ignite from overcharging, mechanical damage or from an other ignition source, Li batteries are nearly as flammable as gunpowder. There are dozens of videos on YouTube that show burning Li batteries, most of them are Lipos.
The risk is far overshadowed by their performance. For instance, a Lipo battery can run a cell phone for days. A NiMH the same size would weigh three times as much and you would be lucky to get a day's use out of the phone.
Lithium is flammable. That doesn't mean it can't be used safely, but we still need to be aware of it's potential to cause or contribute to a fire.