An electrode plate of a rechargeable electrochemical battery. The electrode plate comprises a substantially flat lead grid having a plurality of grid bars and a plurality of window-like cutouts formed between the grid bars. The electrode plate further comprises an active material introduced into the cutouts and/or onto the grid bars of the lead grid. The active material has an artificially produced pattern of slot-shaped depressions on its surface. The depressions extend to a depth from the outer surface of the active material. Also disclosed is a rechargeable electrochemical battery comprising the at least one electrode.