2014 NISSAN LEAF Owners Manual

Parking the vehicle
1. When stopping the vehicle, push the P (Park)
position switch on the shift lever while de-
pressing the brake pedal. Confirm that the
vehicle is in the P (Park) position by checking
the shift indicator located near the shift lever
or on the vehicle information 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 “Charge” section.
EV OverviewEV-21

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. See “Charging timer” in the “Charge” 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 lockfunctions are displayed on the vehicle infor-
mation display. See “Vehicle information dis-
play” in the “Instruments and controls”
section.
2. Open the charge port lid and charge port cap.
See “Charge port lid” in the “Pre-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. See “Improve 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 regenerative
brake 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 down
and 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 the battery’s useful life, use the fol-
lowing driving and charging habits where pos-
sible:
• 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 repetitive charging of the Li-ion battery
with high battery state of charge.
• Moderate driving.
• Use of ECO mode.
• If the vehicle will not be used for an extended
period of time, charge the Li-ion battery 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
the “Instruments and controls” for details.
EV-24EV Overview

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

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, see “ECO indicator” in
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 the “Instruments 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 meter” in
the “Instruments and controls” section.
EV-26EV Overview

Driving range:
This indicator displays the estimated driving
range (calculated based on a program that ac-
counts for current driving style and operational
conditions) that can be driven before recharging
is necessary.
For additional information, see “Driving range” in
the “Instruments and controls” section.Li-ion battery available charge gauge:
This gauge displays the available Li-ion battery
power remaining to drive the vehicle.
For additional information, see “Li-ion battery
available charge gauge” in the “Instruments and
controls” section.Li-ion battery capacity level gauge:
This gauge displays the available capacity of the
Li-ion battery remaining to store power.
For additional information, see “Li-ion battery ca-
pacity level gauge” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section.
EV OverviewEV-27

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