In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is provided to include a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate includes a metal substrate defining at least one flow channel having a channel span of no greater than 1.0 millimeter; and the metal substrate includes a stainless steel material less precious than stainless steel SS316L. In certain instances, the channel span is of 0.7 to 0.9 millimeters. In certain other instances, the flow channel has a channel depth of 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. In yet other instances, the plate substrate includes stainless steel SS301, stainless steel SS302, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the electrochemical cell further includes a gas diffusion layer disposed next to the bipolar plate.