Ipod Nano Battery Investigation in Japan

In case you were wondering why it's taking so long for automakers to make the switch from nickel metal hydride (NiMH)battery packs to Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batter packs, all you have to do is take a look at the latest story about what happens when things go wrong with Li-Ion batteries:

Japan investigates possible iPod defect - Yahoo! News

TOKYO - Japan is investigating a possible defect in Apple Inc.'s iPod after one of the popular digital music players reportedly shot out sparks while recharging, a government official said Wednesday.

An official at the trade and economy ministry, which oversees product problems, said a defect is suspected in the lithium-ion battery in the iPod Nano, model number MA099J/A. He spoke on customary condition of anonymity, saying he is reiterating a ministry position.

Now imagine that sort of thing happening with a hybrid car sized battery pack.

Not pretty, is it.