In this paper, an approach allowing connecting two numerical models for the simulation of the PEMFC operation and durability at different physical scales is presented. After explaining the interest of coupling them to study the interactions between the fuel cell system and the fuel cell itself, along with lifetime concerns, the feasibility of the task is assessed. Then the numerical approach to achieve this coupling is presented. Finally the response of the coupled models is examined to check its validity, and first results are presented. Predicted fuel cell lifetime trends when changing the stack operation conditions are shown, which highlight the presence of optima concerning temperature, demanded current, pressure and O-2 stoichiometry. Two operation modes are then compared in terms of their impact on the fuel cell performance decay, showing that power cycles are more damaging the fuel cell than nominal operation. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.