A power system and method thereof for charging an electrochemical cell to maintain the cells longevity and/or reduce user's expense is disclosed. The power system may include a traction battery and a controller. The controller may be programmed to initiate a charging command. The charging command may be responsive to a plug-in event and a state-of-charge such that charging is initiated at a future time unless the state-of-charge falls within a capacity-lowering range, region, window, or zone.