Does hybrid vehicle battery production pollute more than normal car batteries?

Tough to compare as there are no US based volume manufacturers of hybrid style (lithium ion or nickel metal hydride) batteries. the regulation and monitoring of volume based li-ion and nickel metal hydride occurs primarily outside of the US and within parts of the world where environmental protection may be a secondary concern. In the US, lead acid (normal car style) battery manufacturers are regulated and closely monitored. these guys have actually made HUGE strides to protect the environment. they recover, recycle and reuse better than any other industry in the US today (check out a little factoid on batteriesplus.com. There are some manufacturers working to develop cost effective production for lithium ion and nickel metal hydride in the US. Hopefully this will allow for competitive AND environmentally conscious production.