BATTERY WITH SELECTIVE PHASE CHANGE FEATURES

Embodiments provide battery cells and/or battery submodules including a phase change material (PCM) for absorbing excess heat that may be released within the battery cell and/or battery submodule. The PCM may be provided in form of a layer within the battery cell in addition to a thermal insulation layer. Alternatively, the PCM layer may replace the thermal insulation layer. The PCM may be provided on one or more sides of the battery submodule within a container that contains the battery submodule. The PCM may be a solid PCM provided in form of a layer and/or one or more strips. The PCM may also include a liquid PCM that is provided in the container containing the battery submodule.