A method of discharging a battery assembly used to power at least part of an object includes detecting when power to the object is turned off, detecting, with aid of a timer, an amount of time elapsed since the power to the object is turned off, and initiating a controlled self-discharge of the battery assembly when the amount of time exceeds a threshold length of time. The controlled self-discharge of the battery assembly is performed by a self-discharging circuit electrically coupled to the battery assembly.