Disclosed is a method for charging a rechargeable battery having at least one rechargeable electrochemical cell. The method includes determining a corresponding battery capacity based on identification information received from the rechargeable battery, determining a charging current level to apply to the rechargeable battery based on the determined corresponding battery capacity such that the battery achieves a pre-determined charge that is reached within a charging period of time of 15 minutes or less, and applying a charging current having substantially about the determined current level to the battery.