Abstract: A paste for negative plate of lead acid battery is disclosed that has a reduced paste density, yet provides a negative plate with substantially increased BET surface area and consequently the battery with enhanced performance. The disclosed paste comprises an activated carbon additive having a mesopore volume of greater than about 0.1 cm3/g and a mesopore size range of about 20 angstroms to about 320 angstroms as determined by DFT nitrogen adsorption isotherm. The cured negative plate made of the disclosed paste has a BET surface area of about 9 m2/g and 19 m2/g when the carbon loading level of the paste is about 1% and 2% weight, respectively relative to dry paste lead oxide. The battery including the negative plate made of the disclosed paste maintains the performance such as charge capacity and cycle life, despite containing less lead.