TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — General Motors has joined with battery specialist A123Systems to develop a new lithium-ion battery for use in the Chevrolet Volt and other future GM plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles.

Meanwhile, Toyota reportedly has delayed by one to two years the planned introduction of lithium-ion batteries in the next-generation Prius and other hybrid models because of safety concerns, according to a story in The Wall Street Journal.

GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, in announcing the alliance with Massachusetts-based A123Systems, said, "Breakthrough battery technology will drive future automotive propulsion, and the company that aligns with the best strategic partners will win."

A123Systems says its nanophosphate-based cell technology provides higher power output, longer life and safer operations over the life of the battery than other lithium-ion battery chemistries.

Makers of laptop computers have been forced to recall thousands of their products because of overheating and exploding lithium-ion batteries, raising safety issues about their use in other products, such as hybrid vehicles.

What this means to you: Lithium-ion batteries in your future hybrid vehicle will be safe — or not — depending on which automaker you talk to.