A system and method are provided for preconditioning a rechargeable energy system (RESS) for a vehicle. The method includes monitoring one or more rechargeable energy storage system parameters; adjusting a rechargeable energy storage system precondition window based on one or more of the monitored rechargeable energy storage system parameters; and prompting for or activating thermal preconditioning of the rechargeable energy storage system at least partially depending on the adjusted rechargeable energy storage system precondition window.