2013 NISSAN LEAF ECO mode

There are three levels of information that will be
displayed as the Li-ion battery becomes dis-
charged:
1. The following warning lights illuminate on theinstrument panel and messages are displayed
on the dot matrix liquid crystal system screen
display at the same time to indicate low Li-ion
battery charge:
The low battery charge warning light
The master warning light
“Li-ion battery level is Low” warning message is displayed on the dot matrix liquid crystal
display
See 16. Li-ion battery low charge warning 
in the Instruments and controls section.
Messages are displayed on navigation sys- tem screen (if so equipped)
See Low battery warning in theInstru-
ments and controls section. The driving range flashes
1.
NOTE:
Due to traffic conditions, it may be diffi-
cult to get to the charging station sug-
gested by the navigation system. If the
Li-ion battery is almost completely dis-
charged, drive directly to the nearest
charging station (models with naviga-
tion system) . 2. If the vehicle is driven and the Li-ion battery
continues to discharge, the driving range on
the instrument panel changes to “---”2.
Messages are displayed on the Navigation
System screen (if so equipped) . For more
information, see “Low battery warning” in the
“Instruments and controls” section.
3. When the power limitation indicator light
illuminates, traction motor output is lim-
ited resulting in reduced vehicle speed. Stop
the vehicle in a safe location before the Li-ion
battery becomes completely discharged and
EV-4EV Overview

there is no power available to drive the ve-
hicle. Contact Roadside assistance service
shown in your NISSAN Warranty Information
Booklet. SeeIf the Li-ion battery becomes
completely discharged in theIn case of
emergency section.
CHARGING THE 12-VOLT BATTERY
The 12-volt battery is charged automatically us-
ing electricity stored in the Li-ion battery.
When the 12-volt battery is being charged, the
charge status indicator light on the instrument
panel flashes. (except when charging the Li-ion
battery or the power switch is in the READY to
drive position.) See Charge status indicator
light in the Charge section.
While vehicle is driven
The Li-ion battery charges the 12-volt battery as
necessary when the power switch is in the
READY to drive position or ON position.
The 12-volt battery is not charged in the following
conditions.
When the power switch is in ACC position.
When the power switch is in ON position and
shift position is in the N (Neutal) position.
While the vehicle is not in use
When the EV (Electric Vehicle) system is off for
an extended time, the 12-volt battery may be
automatically charged for a short period of time
on a regular basis.
LI-ION BATTERY WARMER
CAUTION
The Li-ion battery warmer does not oper-
ate if the available Li-ion battery charge
is less than approximately 30% and the
charger is not connected to the vehicle.
To help prevent the Li-ion battery from
freezing, do not leave the vehicle in an
environment if temperatures may go be-
low -1°F (-17°C) unless the vehicle is con-
nected to a charger.
The Li-ion battery warmer helps to prevent the
Li-ion battery from freezing and helps to prevent
significant reductions in the Li-ion battery output
when the temperature is cold. The Li-ion battery
warmer automatically turns on when the Li-ion
battery temperature is approximately -1°F
(-17°C) or colder. The Li-ion battery warmer au-
tomatically turns off when the Li-ion battery tem-
perture is approximately 14°F (-10°C) or higher. The Li-ion battery warmer uses electrical power
from an external source when a charger is con-
nected to the vehicle. The Li-ion battery warmer
uses electrical power from the Li-ion battery
when the charger is not connected to the vehicle.
NOTE:

Connect the charger to the vehicle and
place the power switch in the OFF posi-
tion when parking the vehicle if tempera-
tures may go below -1°F (-17°C) . This pro-
vides external power to the Li-ion battery
warmer when it operates and does not
discharge the Li-ion battery.
The charging status indicator lights illu-
minate in a specific pattern when the Li-
ion battery warmer operates. The charg-
ing status indicator lights use the same
pattern to indicate 12-volt battery charg-
ing, Climate Ctrl. Timer operation or Re-
mote Climate Control operation (models
with navigation system) . The charging
status indicator lights do not change if the
Li-ion battery warmer operates at the
same time as the above features. See
Charge status indicator light in the
Charging section.
EV OverviewEV-5

EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF SYSTEM
The emergency shut-off system is activated and
the high-voltage system automatically turns off in
the following conditions:
- Front and side collisions in which the air bags
are deployed.
- Certain rear collisions.
- Certain EV (Electric Vehicle) system malfunc-
tions
For the above collisions and certain other EV
(Electric Vehicle) system malfunctions, the
READY to drive indicator light will turn off. See
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders
in theInstruments and controls section.
The emergency shut-off activates for the above
collisions to minimize risk of an event that could
cause injury or an accident. If the emergency
shut-off system activates, the EV system may not
be switched to READY to drive position, contact
a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. Even if the
power switch is switched to READY to drive
position, the system may shut-off suddenly.
Therefore, drive cautiously to the nearest
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer or contact a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer as soon as pos-
sible.WARNING
Pay special attention to pedestrians. Because there is no engine noise, pe-
destrians may not know the vehicle is
approaching, moving or about to
move, and may step into the path of
vehicle travel.
When leaving the vehicle, be sure to turn off the EV (Electric Vehicle) sys-
tem.
Be sure to push the P (Park) position switch on the shift lever and apply the
parking brake when parking because
the vehicle can move when the READY
to drive indicator light is ON. When the
READY to drive indicator light is ON,
do not leave your vehicle in a shift
position other than the P (Park) posi-
tion.
Keep the brake pedal depressed until you are ready to drive. When the ve-
hicle is in the D (Drive) position or ECO
or R (Reverse) position, if you release
the brake pedal and do not depress
accelerator, the vehicle will creep and
may start abruptly. This may cause se-
rious injury or death.
NOTE:
The vehicle cannot run with a discharged
Li-ion battery. Repeated acceleration con-
sumes more power from the Li-ion battery
than driving at a steady speed.
This vehicle is equipped with a regenera-
tive brake system. The primary purpose of
regenerative 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 accel-
erator pedal is released, the regenerative
brake system provides some decelera-
tion.
When you put the shift lever in the ECO
position (models without navigation sys-
tem) or B position (models with naviga-
tion system) and take your foot off the
accelerator pedal, more regenerative
brake is applied than in the D (Drive) po-
sition.
Less deceleration is provided by the re-
generative brake system when the Li-ion
battery is fully charged. Regenerative
brake is automatically reduced when the
EV (ELECTRIC VEHICLE)
CHARACTERISTICS
EV OverviewEV-9

Li-ion battery is fully charged to prevent
the Li-ion battery from becoming over-
charged. Regenerating brake is also auto-
matically reduced when the battery tem-
perature is high/low (indicated by the red/
blue zones on the Li-ion battery
temperature gauge) to prevent Li-ion bat-
tery damage.
The brake pedal should be used to slow or
stop the vehicle depending on traffic or
road conditions. The vehicle brakes are
not affected by regenerative brake system
operation.NOISE AND VIBRATION
You might experience the following noise or vi-
bration as a normal characteristic of this vehicle.
Traction motor noise from motor compartment.
Water pump and radiator fan noise while charg- ing.
Compressor and radiator fan noise when the Climate Ctrl. Timer or remote climate control
(models with navigation system) is used.
Relay operation noise and vibration at start-up and shut-down of the EV (Electric Vehicle) sys-
tem (power switch placed in the ON and OFF
position) .
Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) . This section provides a brief explanation for the
most important LEAF functions. Refer to the spe-
cific sections of this manual for detailed explana-
tions of the vehicle features and operation.
CHARGING THE LI-ION BATTERY
WARNING
The EV (Electric Vehicle) system uses a
high voltage current. Failure to follow the
proper handling instructions may cause
serious injury or death. Be sure to read
the Charge section and follow the pro-
cedures and guidelines described.
LIFE WITH AN EV (SCENE GUIDE)
EV-10EV Overview

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

AT HOME AFTER DRIVING
Charging the Li-ion battery
When you return home, connect the vehicle to
the charging station installed at your home using
the normal charge connector.
Charge the vehicle or set the charging timer
function to have the vehicle charge at a specific
time. SeeCharging timer in theCharge sec-
tion.
1. When the power switch is turned off, the settings of the charging timer, and the Climate
Ctrl. Timer and the charge connector lock functions are displayed on the dot matrix liq-
uid crystal display. See
Dot matrix liquid crys-
tal display in theInstruments and controls
section.
2. Open the charge port lid and charge port cap. See Charge port lid in thePre-driving
checks and adjustments section.
3. Connect the charge connector to the vehicle.
4. When a charging timer is turned on, charging starts at the set time. When a charging timer
is not turned on, charging starts immediately.
NOTE:
Charging can be started remotely, even if
charging timer is set up.
When you have forgotten to connect the
charge connector at home, there is a func-
tion that can notify you via text message
capable cellular phone, internet enabled
smart phone or personal computer. See
Charging related remote function in the
Charge section (models with navigation
system) .
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.
EV-22EV Overview

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