A hydrogen generator, a fuel pellet assembly for use in the hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system are disclosed. The hydrogen generator includes a housing having a lid pivotally connected to a base and a strip having a plurality of heaters on one side and a second plurality of heaters on the opposite side. A first cartridge is disposed on one side of the strip and a second cartridge is disposed on the opposite side. Each of the first and second cartridges has a plurality of fuel pellets, each including a hydrogen-containing material that will release hydrogen gas when heated. The heaters are selectively activated to heat one or more fuel pellets to initiate the release of hydrogen gas.