Abstract: A system and method for effecting rapid safe charging of sealed storage cells embodying a charger to supplying a rapid high rate charging current to the cells or battery of cells with interruption but once during charging, at an optimum time to prevent cell or battery damage, the timing of this interruption being effected by change in magnitude of a continuous control signal by means incorporated in the cell or battery. This magnitude changes when voltage across the cell terminals increases above a reference voltage that varies with change in battery or cell temperature, the change in said magnitude of the control signal serving to effect interruption of rapid charging. Subsequent to this interruption charging at a slower rate proceeds to complete the charge of the sealed cell or battery of such cells.