The cell type (i.e. alkaline, Ni-Cd, etc.) of a battery is determined by reference to characteristics of its electrical behavior during charging. Exemplary characteristics include the magnitude of the initial voltage rise and the rate of initial voltage rise. Depending on the outcome of this determination, the charging conditions can be changed (e.g. the charging current can be interrupted if the cell is determined to be a non-rechargeable type). The invention finds particular utility in connection with electronic products such as calculators and portable computers.