If that NY Times article is correct....
Here is a comparative study of different types of Lithium-Ion Batteries dated 2010 that mentions lithium cobalt oxide batteries...
http://www-scf.usc.edu/~rzhao/LFP_study.pdf
Lithium Cobalt Oxide Manufacturing
Current manufacturing of lithium cobalt oxide batteries is highly automated. This is because speed and quality is desired, and because some of the chemicals used are either toxic or known carcinogens. The process starts by creating a cathode paste (LiCoO2+binders). This paste is thinly spread onto both sides of a sheet of aluminum foil. Similarly, an anode paste (graphite) is created and spread onto both sides of a sheet of copper foil. Next, a separator (polymer film) is sandwiched between the anode and cathode sheets. This sheet is then wound up and placed into a cylindrical housing. Then, the cell is filled with an electrolyte (lithium salt) and the cell contacts are connected. Finally, the cell is sealed. Usually, a circuit is attached to each cell to control charging and discharging. These circuits prevent discharge past a set voltage to prevent being discharged too deeply.
snip
Though lithium cobalt batteries are equipped with safety electronic devices
along with the safety shell on its body, still they are not fully used in cars and other vehicles because of the safety concerns as they can catch fire or explode due to the extreme heat, overcharging or thermal runway.
My bold.
Another comparison of different Lithuim cell types
Types of Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2)
The Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide battery, or NCA, is less commonly used in the consumer market; however, high specific energy and power densities, as well as a long life span, get the attention of the automotive industry. Less flattering are safety and cost.
Figure 8: Snapshot of NCA
High energy and power densities, as well as good life span, make the NCA
a candidate for EV powertrains. High cost and marginal safety are negatives.