Same batteries we worked on back then. Still a problem. Li-ion might be great for an electric drill, but GM will have some really big problems with them in the Tesla. Something about the quantity of batteries in series, uniform charging, discharging, problems that are NOT solved and may never be (at a cost that makes it practical), then there is the pollution and energy use to produce them, then the disposal (a problem that will never be solved as long as there are corrupt people in the world). Then theres the basic safety problem. NO one will ever be able to safely work on an auto with a 300 plus volt bomb on board. Accidents will expose first responders to death threatening exposure of high voltage, explosions, toxic stew that will ultimately be unacceptable. The same for technicians that work on the cars. ONe misstep and you lose your hand, arm or life. Just not enough money to pay for the people who survive working on these things.
The latest
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB119335110403372123-lMyQjAxMDE3OTIzOTMyNTkxWj.html Electrics have even worse problems.