Abstract: A high state of charge results in reduced ageing and less wear of and to a rechargeable battery. Furthermore, acid stratification occurs in rechargeable batteries, primarily as a result of the influence of the force of gravity on the electrolyte, leading to a significant reduction in the performance of the rechargeable battery. The subject matter of the invention describes a method and an arrangement for varying the state of charge and state of health of rechargeable batteries, in which a separate electric current (i) is applied individually to at least one cell (Z) in the multicell rechargeable battery (1), this current (i) being superimposed on a working current (iA), and with this current (i) acting on this at least one cell (Z) in order to charge or discharge this cell (Z).