 Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular due to their ability to reduce emissions and combat oil scarcity. To ensure the safety of batteries, efficient energy utilization, and extended vehicle life, thermal management systems are necessary. This paper reviews different thermal management approaches at the component and system level, focusing on electric vehicle air conditioning systems, battery thermal management systems, and motor thermal management systems. It suggests that a combination of phase change processes and AC systems can be used to efficiently dissipate heat from components and motors. Additionally, the paper discusses the challenges and limitations of current thermal management systems, such as system integration, control algorithms, performance balance, and cost estimation. Finally, it provides suggestions for future research. This article was authored by Dan Dan, Ehang Zhao, Mingxian Wei, and others.