Abstract: In a distributed management apparatus for a battery pack, a battery monitoring module for each individual battery comprises a microcomputer and apparatus for bi-directional communication with a central control. Each microcomputer is provided with memory and its own control program, which allow sophisticated data gathering, communication and bypass control functions to be performed by each battery monitoring module independently of the central control, although still at its command, for more efficient control design and more flexible and capable system operation. In a preferred embodiment, each battery monitoring module may further comprise voltage and temperature measuring circuits with inputs to the microcomputer and a bypass circuit incorporating the microcomputer itself. All the battery monitoring modules are linked with an interface module by a minimal element, common digital communication circuit for bi-directional communication between each of the battery monitoring modules and the central control.