SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PARALLEL BATTERY PACK CHARGING

A battery management system is provided with a first charging circuit including a first switch to connect a first battery pack to a power source. A second charging circuit includes a second switch to connect a second battery pack to the power source, wherein the second charging circuit is arranged in parallel with the first charging circuit. A discharge circuit includes a discharge switch to connect the first battery pack and the second battery pack in series. A processor is programmed to: open the discharge switch; receive input indicative of a first battery voltage and a second battery voltage; close the first switch and open the second switch in response to the first battery voltage being less than the second battery voltage; and close the first switch and close the second switch in response to the first battery voltage being approximately equal to the second battery voltage