The introduction of fuel cells for surface vehicles requires a review of stack concepts to make them lighter, more compact and more durable. These objectives require, among other things, the development of new materials dedicated to the bipolar plate. The MATEIS (Materials: Engineering and Science) laboratory has been asked to work on the conceptualisation and performance evaluation of these new materials. To do this, it is using its expertise in surface engineering, corrosion science and electrochemical measurement. This subject is fully integrated into the necessary systemic approach in Materials Science that it has been developing for many years.