NOTE:
•If the outside temperature is −13°F
(−25°C) or less, the Li-ion battery may
freeze and it cannot be charged or provide
power to run the vehicle. Move the vehicle
to a warm location.
•The capacity of the Li-ion battery in your
vehicle to hold a charge will, like all such
batteries, decrease with time and usage.
As the battery ages and capacity de-
creases, this will result in a decrease from
the vehicle’s initial mileage range. This is
normal, expected, and not indicative of
any defect in your Li-ion battery. NISSAN
estimates that battery capacity will be ap-
proximately 80% of original capacity after
five years, although this is only an esti-
mate, and this percentage may vary (and
could be significantly lower) depending
on individual vehicle and Li-ion battery
usage.
•The Li-ion battery has limited service life,
and when its charging capacity falls below
a specific level, the EV system warning
light will illuminate. Owners should bring
their vehicle in for inspection and possible
battery replacement.•The Li-ion battery has a limited service
life. Contact a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer for information about recycling or
disposal of the Li-ion battery. Do not at-
tempt to recycle or dispose of the Li-ion
battery yourself.
DRIVING WITH A DISCHARGED
LI-ION BATTERY
When a destination is set in the navigation sys-
tem that exceeds the available vehicle range, the
navigation system automatically searches the lo-
cation of nearby charging stations. When the
nearby charging station locations are displayed,
charge the Li-ion battery as soon as possible
(models with navigation system) .
Warning lights illuminate on the instrument panel
and messages are displayed on the vehicle infor-
mation display to inform you that the Li-ion bat-
tery charge is low. Instructions are also displayed
on the navigation system screen to direct you to
nearby charging stations (models with navigation
system) .The vehicle’s range is very limited when these
warning lights illuminate and messages are dis-
played. Follow the instructions on the navigation
screen (models with navigation system) and im-
mediately charge the vehicle at the nearest
charging station.
EV OverviewEV-3
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 the
instrument panel and messages are displayed
on the vehicle information 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 vehicle information dis-
play
• See “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 the “Instru-
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. See “If the Li-ion battery becomes
completely discharged” in the “In 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 illumi-
nate in a specific pattern when the Li-ion
battery warmer operates. The charging
status indicator lights use the same pat-
tern to indicate 12-volt battery charging,
Climate Ctrl. Timer operation or Remote
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 the “Instruments 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 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
failure to have these necessary inspections, re-
pairs and/or adjustments performed.
• See the NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide for a detailed explanation of the Li-ion
battery inspection and intervals.
METERS AND INDICATORS
The vehicle has two displays to provide informa-
tion regarding vehicle operation:
• Upper display
• Lower display
Upper display
Master warning lights:
The master warning lights are located in the
upper display.
The master warning lights illuminate when any
warning lights or indicators illuminate in the lower
display or when messages are displayed on the
vehicle information display.
For additional information, see “Master warning
light” in the “Instruments and controls” section.
EV UNIQUE INFORMATION
EV OverviewEV-25
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
Charging
Precautions on charging..................CH-2
Types of charge and how to charge the Li-ion
battery............................CH-5
How to normal charge.................CH-9
How to trickle charge (if so equipped).......CH-11
How to quick charge (if so equipped).......CH-15
Charge connector lock switch...........CH-18
If the charge connector can not be unlocked . . .CH-20
Charging methods....................CH-21
Charging timer....................CH-21Immediate charge...................CH-26
Charging related remote function (models with
navigation system)..................CH-26
Charging related indicator lights............CH-28
Charging status indicator lights...........CH-28
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
control box indicator light..............CH-31
Charging troubleshooting guide............CH-33
CHARGING STATUS INDICATOR
LIGHTS
The charging status indicator lights1to3
display the charging status, and are visible from
both inside and outside the vehicle.When the normal charge connector lock is
unlocked
All of the indicator lights,
1to3, will flash and
beep will sound three times when the normal
charge connector lock switch on the Intelligent
Key or the charge port lid opener switch is
pushed.When the normal charge connector is con-
nected incorrectly
All of the indicator lights,
1to3, will flash and
beep will sound three times within 30 seconds
when the charge connector is connected incor-
rectly to the normal charge port.
CHARGING RELATED INDICATOR
LIGHTS
CH-28Charging