Battery module with phase change material

In an embodiment, a system includes a battery module, a battery cell assembly that is a component of the battery module, and a battery cell of the battery cell assembly, wherein the battery cell is configured to generate heat during operation. The battery cell assembly also includes a phase change material (PCM) disposed along a thermal pathway within the battery cell assembly that transfers the heat generated by the battery cell away from the battery cell during operation. The PCM is configured to conduct a first portion of the heat generated by the battery cell during operation. Further, the PCM is configured to absorb a second portion of the heat generated by the battery cell to affect a phase change within at least a portion of the PCM.