As the density of graphite anode is increasing, the pore size and volume in the graphite anode is reduced, which results in a decrease in the electrolyte permeability of electrode. The electrochemical degradation of high density graphite anode due to the low permeability is a major obstacle to its use as anode for lithium ion batteries. In this study, we report on high density graphite anode with the carbon additive added that provides micron size pore structure of the high density graphite anode, which results in an increase in the rate capability. The high density graphite anode with carbon additive exhibited 32.4% higher rate capability at 1 C compared to the high density graphite anode without carbon additive. This improvement is mainly attributed to the increased micron-size pores, which enhances the kinetic associated with lithium by improved electrolyte permeation and increased interface between the electrolyte and active material. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.