NOVELTY - The absorbed glass matt valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery comprises a positive plate comprising a positive active material, a negative plate comprising a negative active material, an absorbed glass matt (AGM) separator, and an electrolyte. The negative active material comprises a composition comprising 0.5-3 wt.% of carbon additive. The positive plate, the negative plate, the separator, and the electrolyte are disposed in a container comprising a valve. The electrolyte is present in an amount of 100-110 vol.%. The carbon additive has a specific surface area of 1000-2000 m2/g.    USE - The absorbed glass matt valve regulated lead-acid battery is useful in network power installations, marine and cycling applications, automotive starting/lighting/ignition applications, and in stop-start-, micro- and mild hybrid electric vehicle applications.    ADVANTAGE - The absorbed glass matt valve regulated lead-acid battery has high charge acceptance and increased durability.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The absorbed glass matt valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery comprises a positive plate comprising a positive active material, a negative plate comprising a negative active material, an absorbed glass matt (AGM) separator, and an electrolyte. The negative active material comprises a composition comprising 0.5-3 wt.% of carbon additive. The positive plate, the negative plate, the separator, and the electrolyte are disposed in a container comprising a valve. The electrolyte is present in an amount of 100-110 vol.%. The carbon additive has a specific surface area of 1000-2000 m2/g, a total pore volume of 0.05 cm3/g, a predominant pore size of 20-500 Angstrom , a degradation onset temperature of 100-300 degrees C, and a microporosity-to-mesoporosity ratio of 99:1-1:99. The separator comprises a glass fiber. The lead-acid battery has a discharge capacity of, as measured by a C/20 discharge rate, 1-20% greater than an AGM VRLA battery, a charge acceptance of 0-33% greater than an AGM VRLA battery, and durability, as measured by a repeated reserve capacity test, of 0-35% relative to an AGM VRLA battery. The charge acceptance is tested from 40-90% state of charge. The electrolyte is present in an amount of greater than 100 vol.% after 6 weeks of a water consumption test performed at a temperature of 60 degrees C and voltage of 14 V.