LIGHTWEIGHT FUEL CELL STACK END PLATE

A method of constructing a fuel cell system includes providing an open cell structure to form a first end plate, filling at least part of the open cell structure with a stiffening material, disposing a fuel cell stack between the first end plate and a second end plate, and compressing the fuel cell stack by moving the first end plate toward the second end plate. A fuel cell system includes a first end plate comprising an open cell structure, a second end plate, and a fuel cell stack compressed between the first end plate and the second end plate.