Described are lithium iron phosphate cathode materials for lithium secondary batteries and methods of preparation thereof. Better cathode materials may be produced by two carbon processes. The first carbon process comprises mixing lithium compounds, iron compounds, phosphorous compounds and a first carbon additive, and heating the mixture to a first temperature. The second carbon process comprises adding a second carbon additive to the to the product of the first carbon process and heating the mixture to a second temperature. The cathode material so produced exhibits superior electrical properties.