An apparatus and method for charging a multiple-cell battery pack provides a balanced charge to each cell in a series by providing a cell charge monitor/regulator for (1) monitoring the charge (potential, for example) of each cell and, when a state is attained, defining a maximum cell charge, and (2) shunting further charge current to a next cell in the series via a shunt resistor that bridges the cell, and thereby bypasses further charging thereof, while directing shunted charge current to one or more next cells in the series as needed. Each of the cells is thereby charged to its fullest potential while the overall charging procedure is not unduly lengthened. The battery pack can be implanted as part of a life-saving system.