Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become the cornerstone of modern energy storage, powering
applications from consumer electronics to electric vehicles and grid systems. Their high energy density,
long cycle life, and reliability have enabled wide-scale adoption. However, challenges related to thermal
management, degradation, and safety remain persistent obstacles. This review presents a detailed
synthesis of lithium-ion battery technologies, encompassing modeling approaches, thermal behavior,
aging mechanisms, and safety concerns such as internal short circuits. Various modeling strategies are
examined—electrochemical, mathematical, and equivalent circuit models—that facilitate estimation of
internal battery states like State of Charge (SOC) and State of Health (SOH). Temperature’s impact
on battery performance is analyzed through studies on heat generation, distribution, and management
across different operating conditions. Degradation phenomena such as solid electrolyte interphase
(SEI) formation and lithium plating are discussed in the context of battery aging, especially for vehicle
applications. Additionally, the effects of ambient temperature and battery aging on electric and hybrid
vehicle performance are assessed, along with strategies for optimizing battery pack size to enhance
fuel economy. By integrating current findings, this review aims to inform future developments in battery
design, management, and safety, driving the evolution of LIB technologies toward greater efficiency,
durability, and sustainability.