This study presents a new technique for estimating cathodic and anodic charge transfer coefficients from fuel cell voltage-current curves. In contrast to conventional approach, the new technique allows estimation of anodic and cathodic charge transfer coefficients simultaneously from integral characteristics of voltage-current curves. Case studies illustrate the parameter estimation from PEMFC polarization curves. The new technique is compatible with available parameter estimation methods. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.