Abstract: In a method and apparatus for battery charging, a battery charger (20) charges a battery (11), preferably in a battery pack (10), by providing an initial battery charging current (I.sub.1) and terminating the initial charging current at a time t.sub.2 in response to a measured battery condition (for example, battery temperature rate of change; Delta T/Delta t) exceeding a limit. A battery parameter, preferably battery voltage, is measured at the time t.sub.2 and stored as a limit (V.sub.peak). After t.sub.2, battery charging current is provided in accordance with a predetermined criteria and battery charging current is altered (to I.sub.3 ; or to I.sub.1) in response to comparing a measured battery parameter, preferably battery voltage, after t.sub.2 to a threshold (V.sub.peak ; or V.sub.peak -Delta V) based on the stored limit (V.sub.peak). Preferably, rapid battery charging is implemented in response to a comparison of a measured battery parameter, preferably battery voltage, after the time t.sub.