In this paper, the efficiency properties of the single fuel cell and the fuel cell stack have been analyzed theoretically, and the efficiency models of the fuel cell stack and fuel cell engine (FCE) are developed. Through experimental studies, we analyze the relationships between (1) the efficiency of the fuel cell stack and its current, (2) the efficiency of the fuel cell stack and its power, (3) the efficiency of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen consumption ratio, (4) the efficiency of the FCE and the fuel cell stack current, (5) the efficiency of the FCE and its power, and (6) the efficiency of the FCE and the hydrogen consumption ratio. The factors which affect the efficiency of the fuel cell stack and that of the FCE are discussed. Finally, the efficiency models of the fuel cell stack and the FCE discussed in this paper are verified by test data. The results show that the simulation values fit well with the test data, and they can be applied in the fuel cell vehicle simulation studies. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.