lThe critical thermal issues of lithium-ion batteries are introduced.lThe design principles for batteries thermal management are presented.lThe latest advances on battery thermal management systems are summarized.lEmerging technologies for next-generation power batteries are discussed. Replacing conventional gasoline-powered cars with electric vehicles (EVs) can reduce not only pollution emissions but also the dependence on fossil fuels. As the most widely used power source to propel EVs, lithium-ion batteries are highly sensitive to the operating temperatures, rendering battery thermal management indispensable to ensure their high performance, long cycle life and safe operation. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in thermal management for lithium-ion batteries. The critical thermal issues caused by high temperature, low temperature and temperature non-uniformity are firstly discussed. The design principles and the existing thermal management systems are then presented and elaborated extensively. Emerging technologies such as thermoelectric devices and internal heating methods for future battery thermal management are analyzed. We highlight that the combination of passive and active cooling/heating methods is promising to meet the stringent thermal requirements, particularly under dynamic conditions with drastic power fluctuations. Finally, the remaining challenges and perspectives of thermal management systems with high efficiency and durability are provided. This review offers comprehensive guidance on the design of advanced thermal management system for next-generation power batteries.