Battery storage has been widely used in integrating large-scale renewable generations and in transport decarbonization. For battery systems to operate safely and reliably, the accuracy of state estimation is extremely crucial in battery management system (BMS). However, due to the complex working conditions and electrochemical reactions, it is difficult to accurately estimate the internal state of batteries. This survey focuses on categorizing and reviewing some of the most recent estimation methods for internal states, including state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH) and internal temperature, of which internal temperature estimation methods have been rarely reviewed in the existing literature. The main advantages and disadvantages of these methods are compared, with a focus on the new sensing technologies for internal state estimations. Then, the future prospects of battery state estimation technologies are discussed.