Maintenance free flooded electrolyte battery cycle life is extended by controlling charge acceptance and gassing during recharge. Charge acceptance is improved by periodically discharging the battery during a portion of the recharge which removes surface charge and reduces overall cell voltage. Gassing is purposefully introduced during periodic supply currents which are interspersed with the periodic discharges of the battery. The supply currents both restore energy to the battery and agitate the electrolyte sufficient to destratify same thereby reducing plate damage and charge gradients thereon. The method results in shorter charge times, full capacity recharges and extended cycle life resulting therefrom and from reductions in corrosive interactions of the electrolyte with the battery plates.