A battery thermal shield is used with a battery to reduce peak temperature exposure caused by a short of a battery from physical damage to the battery (e.g., the battery being pierced by a metal object). The thermal shield may be a highly thermal-conductive substance, such as a film, adhesive, gel, and/or other substance, that acts as an efficient heat spreader. Unlike a typical heat sink or heat fins, the thermal shield may have a low profile and be configured to spread a rapid onset of heat at a localized point or area (e.g., a location of an internal short) to a wider area to reduce a peak (maximum) temperature caused by a short of a battery. The thermal shield may be at least partially formed of graphite which may be adhered to the battery.