The article discusses the design of next-generation proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) to achieve higher power densities. As the demand for clean and sustainable energy grows, PEMFCs are seen as a key technology for future energy systems, particularly in hydrogen-based transportation. The article outlines the current challenges and future directions for improving PEMFC performance, focusing on components such as the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), gas diffusion layer (GDL), catalyst layer (CL), proton-exchange membrane (PEM), and bipolar plate (BP). To meet the target power densities of 6 kW l⁻¹ by 2030 and 9 kW l⁻¹ by 2040, improvements in water and thermal management, materials, and component design are essential. The MEA, which includes the GDL, CL, and PEM, plays a critical role in achieving high power density. The GDL is responsible for gas distribution and water management, while the CL is where electrochemical reactions occur. The PEM must have high proton conductivity and mechanical stability, and the BP must provide efficient mass transfer and thermal management. The article highlights the importance of developing new catalysts with higher activity and lower platinum loading, as well as improving ionomer distribution and catalyst utilization. The PEM must be optimized for high proton conductivity under low humidity conditions, and new materials such as sulfonated hydrocarbon polymers are being explored. The BP design is also crucial, with a focus on reducing thickness, improving conductivity, and minimizing interfacial resistance. The article also discusses the potential of integrated porous BP-MEA designs, which could reduce the volume of PEMFC stacks and improve power density. Overall, the development of next-generation PEMFCs requires a holistic approach to improve power density, reduce costs, and increase durability, with a focus on materials, component design, and system integration.The article discusses the design of next-generation proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) to achieve higher power densities. As the demand for clean and sustainable energy grows, PEMFCs are seen as a key technology for future energy systems, particularly in hydrogen-based transportation. The article outlines the current challenges and future directions for improving PEMFC performance, focusing on components such as the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), gas diffusion layer (GDL), catalyst layer (CL), proton-exchange membrane (PEM), and bipolar plate (BP). To meet the target power densities of 6 kW l⁻¹ by 2030 and 9 kW l⁻¹ by 2040, improvements in water and thermal management, materials, and component design are essential. The MEA, which includes the GDL, CL, and PEM, plays a critical role in achieving high power density. The GDL is responsible for gas distribution and water management, while the CL is where electrochemical reactions occur. The PEM must have high proton conductivity and mechanical stability, and the BP must provide efficient mass transfer and thermal management. The article highlights the importance of developing new catalysts with higher activity and lower platinum loading, as well as improving ionomer distribution and catalyst utilization. The PEM must be optimized for high proton conductivity under low humidity conditions, and new materials such as sulfonated hydrocarbon polymers are being explored. The BP design is also crucial, with a focus on reducing thickness, improving conductivity, and minimizing interfacial resistance. The article also discusses the potential of integrated porous BP-MEA designs, which could reduce the volume of PEMFC stacks and improve power density. Overall, the development of next-generation PEMFCs requires a holistic approach to improve power density, reduce costs, and increase durability, with a focus on materials, component design, and system integration.