A bipolar lead acid battery with increased energy density is provided. The battery includes a number of lead acid wafer cell that each comprise a negative electrode having a negative electrode plate and a negative active material positioned on the negative electrode plate, as well as a positive electrode having a positive electrode plate and a positive active material positioned on the positive electrode plate. The positive electrode plate comprises a metal foil with a conductive film thereon, such as a titanium foil or substrate with a titanium silicide coating thereon. The lead acid wafer cell also includes a separator between the negative and positive electrodes, wherein the separator includes an electrolyte for transferring charge between the negative and positive electrodes.