Abstract: A battery charging method (300) determines a current at which to start charging the battery which provides the capability for faster higher current sourcing capability. A start current(Istart)is determined based on the battery's cut off voltage, steady state voltage, and characteristic impedance (314). This start current is then compared and adjusted based on the rated power supply current for the power supply (316, 318) and rated charge current for the battery (320, 322). The adjusted current is then applied to the battery (324) at the beginning of the charge sequence to provide faster higher current sourcing capability.