Abstract: An electrochemical battery having at least one self contained thermoelectric cooling device such as a Peltier device, for cooling the battery to optimal operating conditions. The thermoelectric cooling device is contained within a housing of the battery and is in proximity to cells contained within the housing with the cooling device being electrically connected to the cells of the battery and an external electrical power source. A switching element is configured to selectively power the thermoelectric cooling device from the external electrical power source and with shut down of the external electrical power the switching element redirects power from the battery to the thermoelectric cooling device to effect continued cooling of the battery.