2013 NISSAN LEAF brake

Use the ECO position for maximum vehicle range
and for city driving. The ECO position helps
reduce power consumption by reducing accel-
eration when compared to the same accelerator
pedal position in the D (Drive) position and re-
duces the power provided to the heating and air
conditioner system.
Without navigation system model: When the
ECO position is used, more regenerative brake is
applied when the accelerator pedal is released in
comparison to the D (Drive) position.
NOTE:
The regenerative brake converts the vehi-
cle’s forward motion to electric power to
help slow the vehicle.While the vehicle is being driven you can check
your own ECO drive level on the ECO indicator.
See
ECO indicator in theInstruments and con-
trols section.
EV OverviewEV-19

Parking the vehicle
1. When stopping the vehicle, push the P (Park)position switch on the selector lever while
depressing the brake pedal. Confirm that the
vehicle is in the P (Park) position by checking
the shift indicator located near the selector
lever or on the dot matrix liquid crystal display. 2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Push the power switch to the OFF position.
4. If a parking lot is equipped with charging
facilities, charge the Li-ion battery as neces-
sary. See Chargesection.
EV OverviewEV-21

RANGE
The distance you can drive the vehicle (range)
varies considerably depending upon available
charge, weather, temperature, usage, battery
age, topography, and driving style.
Vehicle range depends on a number of factors.
When the Li-ion battery is new, the estimated
vehicle range with a fully charged Li-ion battery is
approximately 100 miles (160 km) based on the
EPA laboratory test commonly called the LA4
mode drive cycle. This test represents city driving
conditions. Your actual range can vary, either
initially or as the battery ages and with use over
time. The majority of drivers will experience ve-
hicle ranges between 62 to 138 miles (99 to 222
km) based on the many factors that affect vehicle
range. SeeImprove driving range later in this
section for information of the factors that affect
vehicle range and how to use the vehicle to
maximize vehicle range.
IMPROVE DRIVING RANGE
Vehicle range depends on a number of factors.
Actual vehicle range will vary depending upon:
speed,
vehicle load, electrical load from vehicle accessories,
traffic and road conditions.
NISSAN recommends the following driving
habits to help maximize vehicle range:
Before driving:
Follow recommended periodic maintenance.
Keep tires inflated to correct pressure.
Keep wheels in correct alignment.
Pre-heat or pre-cool the interior cabin while the
vehicle is charging.
Remove unnecessary cargo from the vehicle.
While driving:
Drive in ECO mode – In the ECO position more regenerativebrake is applied when the accelerator pedal
is released in comparison to the D (Drive)
position and more power is provided to the
Li-ion battery (models with navigation sys-
tem) .
– The ECO position helps reduce power con- sumption by reducing acceleration when
compared to the same accelerator pedal
position in the D (Drive) position.
– The ECO position reduces the power pro- vided to the heater and air conditioner sys-
tem. Drive at a constant speed. Maintain cruising
speeds with a constant accelerator positions or
by using cruise control when appropriate.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Gently press and release the accelerator pedal for accelera-
tion and deceleration.
Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Avoid frequent stopping and braking. Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles.
Turn off the air conditioner/heater when it is not necessary.
Select a moderate temperature setting for heat- ing or cooling to help reduce power consump-
tion.
Use the air conditioner/heater and close win- dows to reduce drag when cruising at highway
speed.
Vehicle range may be substantially reduced in extremely cold conditions (for example -4°F
(-20°C)) .
Using the climate control system to heat the cabin when outside temperature is below 32°F
(0°C) uses more electricity and affects vehicle
range more than when using the heater when
the temperature is above 32°F (0°C) .
EFFICIENT USE OF YOUR VEHICLE
EV OverviewEV-23

Release the accelerator pedal to slow downand do not apply the brakes when traffic and
road conditions allow. – This vehicle is equipped with a regenerative brake system. The primary purpose of re-
generative brake system is to provide some
power to recharge the Li-ion battery and
extend driving range. A secondary benefit is
“engine braking” that operates based on
Li-ion battery conditions. In the D (Drive)
position, when the accelerator is released,
the regenerative brake system provides
some deceleration and some power to the
Li-ion battery.
LI-ION BATTERY LIFE
The Li-ion battery’s ability to hold a charge, like all
batteries, decreases with battery age and usage
which results in decreased vehicle range when
compared to the vehicle range when the vehicle
was new. This is normal and expected, and does
not indicate a malfunction of the vehicle or Li-ion
battery.
The Li-ion battery’s ability to hold a charge can be
affected by how you drive the vehicle, store the
vehicle, how you charge the Li-ion battery and
Li-ion battery temperature during vehicle opera-
tion and charging. To maximize vehicle range, NISSAN recom-
mends using the default setting, long distance
mode (100% charge) . To maximize the battery’s
useful life, use the following driving and charging
habits where possible:
Avoid exposing a vehicle to extreme ambient
temperatures for extended periods.
Avoid storing a vehicle in temperatures below 13°F (25°C) for over 7 days.
Avoid leaving your vehicle for over 14 days where the Li-ion battery available charge gauge
reaches a zero or near zero (state of charge) .
Allow the vehicle and Li-ion battery to cool down after use before charging.
Park/store your vehicle in cool locations out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Avoid sustained high battery temperatures (caused, for example, by exposure to very high
ambient temperatures or extending highway
driving with multiple quick charges) .
Use the normal charging or trickle charging methods to charge the Li-ion battery and mini-
mize the use of public Fast Charge or Quick
Charger.
Avoid sustained high battery state of charge (caused, for example, by frequently charging to
100% state of charge and/or leaving the battery above 80% state of charge for long periods of
time) .
Allow the battery charge to be below at least 80% before charging.
Moderate driving.
Use of ECO mode.
If the vehicle will not be used for an extended period of time, charge the Li-ion battery using
the long life mode once every 3 months. Do not
operate the charging timer repeatedly while the
charge connector is connected to the vehicle
after the Li-ion battery charging is completed.
Doing so may discharge the 12-volt battery.
The power of the Li-ion battery can be
checked on the Li-ion battery available charge
gauge. See Li-ion battery available charge
gauge in theInstruments and controls for
details.
LI-ION BATTERY MAINTENANCE
In addition to the regular maintenance recom-
mended by NISSAN, the LEAF requires some
special Li-ion battery inspections.
See the NISSAN Warranty Information Booklet for significant limitations, exclusions and pos-
sible voiding of your warranty resulting from
EV-24EV Overview

ECO indicator:
This indicator provides instant information about
how efficiently the vehicle is being operated. You
can see how changing your driving style or op-
eration of vehicle accessories affects power con-
sumption.
For additional information, seeECO indicatorin
the Instruments and controls section.Lower display
Li-ion battery temperature gauge:
This gauge displays the temperature of the Li-ion
battery.
For additional information, see Li-ion battery
temperature gauge in theInstruments and con-
trols section. Power meter:
This meter displays the actual traction motor
power consumption and the regenerative brake
power provided to the Li-ion battery.
For additional information, see
Power meterin
the Instruments and controls section.
EV-26EV Overview

Warning and indicator lights
The EV (Electric Vehicle) system uses the follow-
ing EV (Electric Vehicle) specific warning and
indicator lights.
1. Master warning light (red)
2. Master warning light (yellow)3. 12-volt battery charge warning light
4. Plug in indicator light
5. READY to drive indicator light
6. Power limitation indicator light
7. EV system warning light
8. Electric shift control system warning light
9. Brake system warning light (yellow)
10. Low battery charge warning light
11. Headlight warning light
12. Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
(VSP) system warning light
For additional information, see Warning/
indicator lights and audible reminders in the
Instruments and controls section.
APPROACHING VEHICLE SOUND
FOR PEDESTRIANS (VSP) SYSTEM
The Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
(VSP) system is a function that uses sound to
alert pedestrians of the presence of the vehicle
when it is being driven at a low speed.
When the vehicle starts to move, it produces a
sound.
The sound stops when the vehicle speed is more
than 19 MPH (30 km/h) while accelerating.
The sound starts when the vehicle speed is less
than 16 MPH (25 km/h) while decelerating.
EV-28EV Overview

The Genuine NISSAN charging equipmentcommunicates with the vehicle before Li-ion
battery charging starts. If this communication
does not occur because other equipment is
used, the Li-ion battery will not charge.
NISSAN recommends that you connect the normal charge cable when getting out of the
vehicle, even if it is not going to be used. By
doing this, you can get the most out of the
remote climate control (models with navigation
system) and Climate Ctrl. Timer functions the
next time you use the vehicle.
To start normal charge:
1. Push the P (Park) position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position and apply the
parking brake.
2. When charging the Li-ion battery, place the power switch in the OFF position. When the
power switch is in the ON position, the Li-ion
battery will not start charging.
3. Open the charge port lid and charge port cap. See Charge port lid andCharge port cap
in the Pre-driving checks and adjustments
section. 4. Connect the charge connector to the charge
port. If it is connected normally, a beep will
sound once.
5. If charging has started or if the battery is waiting for charging timer, a beep will sound
twice and the charging status indicator light
display will change. See Charging status in-
dicator light. To stop normal charge:
1. Ensure that the charge connector lock is not
engaged. For more information, see “Charge
connector lock switch” in this section.
2. Press the button on the charge connector, release the lock and remove the charge con-
nector from the charge port and properly
store it.
3. After closing the charge port cap on the charge port, close the charge port lid.
CH-10Charging

To start trickle charging:
*:You can pass a rope through the hole
Aon the
control box in order to hang it up while the Li-ion
battery is charging.
1. Push the P (Park) position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position and apply the
parking brake.
2. When charging the Li-ion battery, place the power switch in the OFF position. When the
power switch is in the ON position, the Li-ion
battery will not start charging.
3. Open the charge port lid. See Charge port
lid in the Pre-driving checks and adjust-
ments section. 4. Take out the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment) or trickle charge cable from the
rear hatch.
5. Connect the electrical plug to the 110 - 120 volt, 15A dedicated electrical outlet. If it is
connected normally, the green light on the
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
control box indicator light illuminates. See
EVSE control box indicator light.
6. Open the charge port cap. See Charge port
cap in the Pre-driving checks and adjust-
ments section. 7. Remove the safety cap from charge
connector.
ChargingCH-13