Based on the lithium-ion battery pure electric vehicle (PEV) application, two capacity types of batteries are applied in thermal characteristic experiments. With the experimental comparison method, battery thermal characteristics and heat generation mechanism are studied. Experiments of batteries in cases of different dimensions, batteries with different air cooling velocity and two capacity types of batteries in free convection environment are put forward. Battery heat generation performance, heat dissipation performance and comparison of different capacity types' batteries are researched and summarized. Conclusions of battery heat generation and dissipation in PEV applications, important battery thermal management factors and suggestions are put forward.