NOVELTY - The battery management unit and system are for managing the state of charge of cells or batteries (B1-B10). Each battery management unit (1) measures cell or battery terminal voltage and provides this information to a central controller via a communication medium (2). Each battery management unit monitors a number of batteries (B1-B10) and can selectively charge a selected battery via a charger (7) and switch circuit (8, 17), or can selectively discharge a selected battery (B1-B10) via a load (10) and switch circuit under the control of a controller (6).    USE - System and method for managing the operation of batteries in electric vehicle applications.    ADVANTAGE - The management system which regulates charging of hybrid vehicle batteries in order to avoid overcharging or excessive discharge to minimize charge/discharge cycles. The system also allows for equalization of individual batteries during overnight charge as well as in use. The system maintains good battery equalization and promotes efficiency and longer battery life.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The controller may control charging and discharging in accordance with measurements from voltage sensors (15a-j) or may convey information from the sensors to the central controller and receive charging and discharging commands from the central controller. Charging and discharging is controlled to maintain all batteries within a desired state of charge ranged. The central controller may selectively connect a main charger or generator to a bank of batteries associated with a battery management unit. INDEPENDENT CLAIMs are made for: a) a battery management system; b) a method of charging and equalizing the state of charge of a number of cells or batteries; c) an electric vehicle including a battery management unit or system.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic overview of a remote management unit of the battery management system.    battery management unit (1)    Communication medium (2)    Controller (6)    Charger (7)    Switch circuit (8,17)    Load (10)    Voltage sensors (15a-j)    batteries (B1-B10)