“And, A fuel cell IS a powerplant.
It (traditionally) converts hydrocarbons to electricity, which is then used to drive electric motors. The hydrogen is the fuel that’s stored in a separate fuel tank.”
Ya mean by some sort of combustion engine?
It uses the fuel (hydrogen) an oxidant (catalyst) and an electrolyte.
There are MANY complicated variants, but the end result is the electricity is produced (along with water and oxygen). Electricity is a direct result, no generator needed.