A charging and discharging strategy for a rechargeable battery pack is
disclosed. The strategy involves monitoring and learning the battery
pack's condition (a cycle life parameter) in terms of its progression
through its life cycle. The life cycle parameter may be determined as a
function of both time (i.e., the battery pack's age) as well as the
number of discharge/recharge cycles. The strategy intentionally
under-utilizes the battery during the initial stages of its life, based
on the cycle life parameter, by charging it to a first level less then
the maximum state of charge. This approach reduces charge voltages,
reducing stress on the battery's active materials, thereby increasing its
life.