Test Battery Explodes at GM Lab

General Motors Co. says a prototype lithium-ion battery undergoing "extreme" testing exploded earlier today, causing smoke and a small fire that injured several workers. One of the employees suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries, including chemical burns.

The incident occurred at GM's Alternative Energy Center in Warren, Mich. The company says chemical gases released from the battery cells ignited in the enclosed chamber. Analysts point out that the type of testing GM was conducting is intended to deliberately stress technologies to help determine their operating limits.

Warren Mayor Jim Fouts tells Reuters the explosion broke windows and blew open an eight-inch-thick door. The Warren Fire Dept. tells the Detroit Free Press the explosion caused significant structural damage to the building.

GM was quick to note that the blast was unrelated to the Chevrolet Volt extended-range hybrid sedan or its lithium-ion battery, which is supplied by South Korean battery maker LG Chem.

The Wall Street Journal cites an unidentified company source who says the experimental battery was developed by A123 Systems Inc. A123 supplies batteries that use a phosphate-based lithium-ion chemistry for Fisker Automotive Inc.'s Karma hybrid sedan. Other customers include BMW, Navistar and Shanghai Automotive.

A123's battery technology has been described as more durable and less prone to overheating than conventional lithium-ion chemistries. Last summer GM awarded a production contract to A123 to make next-generation batteries for the Chevy Spark electric car due in 2013.