Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing activated carbon from tobacco leaves by simultaneous carbonization and self-activation in an inert gas environment. The activated carbon produced by this new method has a specific surface area from 600 to 2000 m2 g?1, preferably 1700 m2 g?1, and has an extensive amount of ultramicropores and mesopores, wherein the ratio of the micropore volume to the mesopore volume is at minimum of 3:1, up to 10:1, preferably 4:1. The average pore size (L0) is in the range of 0.55-1.3 nm, preferably 0.8-1.2 nm, with a total pore volume of 0.2 to 1.25 cm3 g?1. The invention also refers to an electrode comprising the activated carbon having the above properties as well as the electrochemical capacitor with such an electrode.