Rechargeable wafer carrier systems and methods are provided. A rechargeable wafer carrier system includes, for instance, a housing for holding at least one wafer and at least one electronics system therein, a rechargeable power source operably connected to the housing for powering the at least one electronics system, and a charging interface for receiving a supply of power for charging the rechargeable power source. The housing may be configured for transport within an automated material handling system. Also provided are methods of charging a rechargeable wafer carrier system, which includes, for instance, providing a rechargeable wafer carrier system having at least one electronics system and a rechargeable power source, operably connecting the rechargeable wafer carrier system to a charging base, and supplying power from the charging base to the rechargeable power source.