The formation efficiency of lead/acid battery positive plates, with and without conductive additives, including barium metaplumbate and a titanium suboxide known as Ebonex(R), was compared. The conductive additives significantly enhanced formation, even at a loading level as low as 1%. The enhancement was more pronounced at the early stage of formation when the overall plate conductivity was low. Beyond about 80% theoretical input capacity, the advantage of additives gradually diminished because a conductive network of active material in the plate was established. Formation efficiency, reserve capacity, and cycle life of the plates with and without additives were evaluated. The effects of loading level and particle size of the additives on formation efficiency and plate performance were examined.