A vehicle includes a traction battery that is coupled to an external charger via a charge port. The traction battery has a maximum charge current. At least one conducting element between the charger and the traction battery is configured with a continuous current rating that is less than the maximum charge current. A controller within a vehicle charging system is programmed to control the current flow through the conducting element such that a current greater than the continuous current rating is conducted for less than a predetermined time that is based on an expected temperature rise of the conducting element.