Lithium appears the battery technology of the future. The impressive performance characteristics of lithium batteries improve the autonomy of laptops and digital camera's. And they enable new car designs previously beyond imagination.

But, lithium batteries get very hot, and sometimes explode - 2 characteristics we don't want, certainly not in consumer products.

What are the safety hazards with lithium batteries, and how can they be addressed? What various battery technologies are in development. And what's the difference between lithium batteries for consumer electronics or electric/hybrid vehicles? When can we expect mass production? 

All these questions are addressed in an overview article from IEEE Spectrum entitled Lithium batteries take to the road.