A fuel cell includes one or more fuel cell assemblies. Each of the fuel cell assemblies has an electrolyte having a length, an anode having a length and disposed on one side of the electrolyte, and a cathode having a length and disposed on the same or the other side of the electrolyte. The fuel cell further includes a plurality of current collectors. Each of the current collectors is substantially embedded within, and continuously extends substantially the respective length of at least one of the electrolyte, anode and cathode.