ABSORBENT GLASS MAT BATTERY

A lead-acid battery is disclosed. The lead-acid battery has a container with a cover and includes one or more compartments. One or more cell elements are provided in the one or more compartments. The one or more cell elements comprise a positive electrode, the positive electrode having a positive substrate and a positive electrochemically active material on the positive substrate; a negative electrode, the negative electrode having a negative substrate and a negative active mass on the negative substrate, wherein the negative active mass comprises a leady oxide, a synthetic organic expander, a very fine particle barium sulfate, and plurality of conductive carbons; and an absorbent glass mat separator between the positive plate and the negative plate. Electrolyte is provided within the container. One or more terminal posts extend from the container or the cover and are electrically coupled to the one or more cell elements. A negative electrode for a lead-acid battery and a battery having improved performance are also disclosed.