A battery container for battery temperature control comprises a housing including an enclosure for receiving a battery, wherein at least a portion of the housing comprises a thermal insulation material for insulating the interior of the enclosure against ambient temperature. The battery container further comprises a temperature control element disposed within the enclosure, wherein the temperature control element reduces the rate of heat transfer between the ambient and the interior of the enclosure. The temperature control element comprises an active temperature control element. The battery container further comprises a controller that in response to a signal indicating battery temperature, controls the active temperature control element for reducing the rate of heat transfer between the ambient and the interior of the enclosure.