Abstract: Systems and methods for the application of force to and thermal management of electrochemical cells are generally described. In some embodiments, a pressure distributor containing a fluid is configured such that a force can be applied to at least one component of an electrochemical cell (e.g., an active surface of an electrode within the electrochemical cell) through the pressure distributor. In certain embodiments, a pressure transmitter can be configured to apply the force to a component of the electrochemical cell through the pressure distributor. The fluid within the pressure distributor can ensure that the anisotropic force applied to the electrochemical cell is distributed substantially evenly over the interface between the pressure distributor and a component of the electrochemical cell and therefore, over the active surface of one or more electrodes within the electrochemical cell.