Hybrid and electric cars - Environmental impact?

[bmblebee]

What is the Enviro impact when two battery powered cars crash into each other and split those cases open?

[goof2]

Originally Posted by bmblebee

What is the Enviro impact when two battery powered cars crash into each other and split those cases open?

I don't believe any manufacturer is using lead-acid batteries in hybrids, so it could be worse. Nickel-metal-hydride batteries are currently in vogue and while nickel isn't supposed to be very good for you it is a lot better than acid and lead coming out of everything. Lithium ion is probably going to be the next step and is supposed to be better than nickel on the environmental front. Lithium polymer, probably the best technology from an environmental and efficiency standpoint, has its own problems. If they suffer an impact leading to a short or are charged too quickly they ignite and burn vigorously.