A system and method for maintaining the health of an electrical storage device measures revolutions per unit time of an engine shaft of an internal combustion engine. A status signal is provided indicating whether the engine shaft is disengaged or engaged with a remainder of a drive train to propel a vehicle. A controller determines minimum revolutions per unit time necessary to provide at least a threshold minimum percentage of full operational output power of an alternator. The controller sends a control signal to control the revolutions per unit time of the engine shaft to be equal to or greater than the determined minimum revolutions per unit time if the status signal is indicative of disengagement. A throttle actuator associated with providing fuel to the internal combustion engine is responsive to the control signal.