Abstract: A universal apparatus for charging batteries comprising power means, suitable for providing the electric energy for charging a battery, said power means being enslaved to control means suitable for controlling the voltage and the current supplied by said power means; the apparatus further comprises programming means for programming said control means. A method for charging a battery comprising connecting the battery with power supply means, suitable for supplying the battery with the electric energy necessary for charging said battery, enslaving said power supply means to control means, suitable for adjusting the electric quantities, voltage and current, supplied by said supply means; the method further comprises programming said control means so that said control means is suitable for driving said supply means for carrying out a charging procedure of said battery according to pre-established parameters.