A battery cell that comprises a sensing platform with sensing elements configured to provide information about in-situ characteristics and parameters of the battery cell. Embodiments of the battery cell can have the sensing platform integrated into the structure of the battery cell, as a separate structure incorporated in the battery cell, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the battery cell comprises a sensing platform having sensing elements proximate a localized measurement region, where the sensing platform comprises a substrate with material layers disposed thereon. The material layers comprise at least one sensing layer that forms the sensing elements so that the sensing elements are responsive to properties of the battery cell.