Well, one thing I know we all hate doing is changing our original idea, but sometimes that works quite well. The fact he has such a violent way to recharge tells most GMs "This guys going to start fights when it's least convenient." 

I'd change it to that LATER becoming an option, something alot people in your character's race/ family do, and he/her hasn't quite grasped it yet. Your character has other basic ways to recharge initially, they just aren't as effective, or that the character discovers a secret of doing it..... Or is in the cafeteria one day during Liver and onion, and your character accidentally blows up a table upon finding it out. Just delay that part.

Just my suggestion. If GM is completely against it, I'd just ask them for suggestions. IF they can't think of anything, they'll probably be easier in letting it pass. If they are absolutely against it, you might have to scrap it all together.

Personally, I would have found the shock collar funny enough to keep it.