Unfortunately for clarity, the term "lithium batttery" is used to describe many vastly different types of Li ion chemistries, the means by which they are turned into batteries and the way they are discharged and recharged. The Li storage batteries used in electric cars and boats are in no way similar to those used by Boeing in their airplanes, which in turn are in no way similar to those used in consumer devices by laptops. The only commonality is that they all contain the metal Li - although in different chemical forms and packaging.

It is like saying one would not have a boat with any "metal" on it because they know of "metal" failures in laptop hinges and airplane fuselages. It simply isn't specific enough to be meaningful.

The Li chemistry used in electric car, boat and similar batteries is lithium iron phosphate. This is a pretty safe chemistry with very few examples of catching fire (if any) due simply to their chemistry or construction. They can dump an incredible amount of current through a short - more so than lead batteries - which can lead to fire quickly. They also can be damaged from overcharging in the same way that lead batteries can - with similar concurrent rapid buildup of heat and melting cases, etc.

Mark