Abstract: A method (200) for charging a nickel cadmium, nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion battery cell using an ultra-fast vehicular charging system includes determining (201, 203, 205) manufacturer identity, ultra-fast battery charging capability and battery capacity from the battery system to provide (207) battery type information. A direct current (DC) input voltage in a predetermined input supply voltage range is converted (211) to a an output supply current in a predetermined output voltage range. The predetermined output supply voltage is supplied (217) to the battery cell for recharging while a number of battery parameters are monitored (219) such as the battery cell voltage, charging current and temperature of the battery cell to generate monitoring information.

Abstract: In a charging system having a battery (104) with a high rate protection switch (120), and a charger (102) having a disable switch (221) that cooperates with a control switch transistor (224) to alternatively enable and disable the high rate protection switch, a method is employed by the charger to determine the presence or absence of the high rate protection circuit and apply an appropriate charge regime. The method includes applying a test current, then measuring the battery voltage while trying to disable the high rate protection circuit. If the voltage is sufficiently higher during such time, compared to normal operation, then the battery is charged at an ultrafast rate.