Under normal conditions the cell temperature will be maintained below their 80° C. operating threshold. The cell monitoring system can control the chargers to vary the rate of charging based on temperature and other factors. Under low temperature conditions, the cell monitoring system can operate the chargers at full capacity. In one embodiment full capacity charging is at 2 kW. As the cell monitoring system detects the temperature approaching 80° C. is can lower the charging rate accordingly. At the low end charging is about one-fifth the full rate, for example, as low as 350 watts. After laser discharge depletes the batteries, the cell monitoring system will attempt to operate the chargers at full capacity, and will lower the charging rate to balance charge rate with heat generation which effects the temperature. In the event the cell temperature exceeds its operating threshold, the over-temperature protection circuit portion of the control electronics will disconnect the load to ensure safe operation. The cell monitoring system will also reduce the charging rate as the battery packs near full charge. For each power storage cartridge, the cell monitoring system can provide engagement power output from the batteries alone, or from a combination of batteries and chargers. For example, to provide 10 kW of engagement power the cell monitoring system can draw 8 kW from the battery packs and supplement this with 2 kW from the chargers.