It is shown that the rate performance of a lithium battery composite electrode may be compromised by poor internal connectivity due to defects and inhomogeneities introduced during electrode fabrication or subsequent handling. Application of a thin conductive coating to the top surface of the electrode or to the separator surface in contact with the electrode improves the performance by providing alternative current paths to partially isolated particles of electroactive material. Mechanistic implications are discussed and strategies for improvement in electrode design and fabrication are presented.