Abstract: A battery monitoring method and apparatus for delivering current to a battery, particularly a lead-acid battery, in standby condition after it has been charged and in such a manner as to maintain the rated ideal charge on the battery at the ambient temperature while minimizing damage to the battery cells. In particular, the apparatus and method apply pulses of current of variable width when the battery voltage hovers about its ideal voltage, apply continuous current when the battery voltage is below its ideal voltage by a certain amount thereby to raise the voltage toward its ideal voltage, and turn off the current when the battery voltage exceeds an upper limit indicative of overcharging or when the battery voltage is at a lower limit indicative of a defective battery or reversed connections.