The influence of geometric and electrochemical asymmetries on the impedance spectra recorded in three-electrode test cells for lithium ion batteries was investigated. These asymmetries lead to distortions such as e.g. scaling effects which appear in common Swagelok cells. Moving the reference electrode to a coaxial position in combination with a precise alignment of the electrode stack optimized the geometry of current lines, leading to reliable impedance spectra up to frequencies of 50 kHz regardless of the electrode configuration.