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 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
•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
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
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
LI-ION BATTERY TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
The gauge indicates the temperature of the Li-ion
battery.
The temperature of the Li-ion battery is within the
normal range when the display is within the zone
1shown in the illustration.
The temperature of the Li-ion battery varies ac-
cording to the outside air temperature and driving
conditions.
NOTE:
• If the display indicates that the tempera-
ture of the Li-ion battery is near the red
zone end of the normal range, reduce ve-
hicle speed to decrease the temperature.
If the indicator is over the normal range,
the power provided to the traction motor
is reduced when the power limitation in-
dicator light is illuminated. Therefore the
vehicle is not as responsive when the ac-
celerator is depressed while the power
limitation light is illuminated. See “Power
limitation indicator light” in this section.
• If the outside temperature is extremely
low, the Li-ion temperature gauge may not
display a temperature reading. The ve-
hicle may not be able to be put in the
READY to drive mode. Contact a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer.
POWER METER
This meter displays the actual traction motor
power consumption
Aand the regenerative
brake power provided to the Li-ion battery
B.
The white dot
1in the display moves right or left
depending on demand.
The white dot moves to the right when power is
provided to the traction motor (Li-ion battery dis-
charges) .
The white dot moves to the left when power is
generated and provided to the Li-ion battery by
Instruments and controls2-7
the regenerative brake system (Li-ion battery
charging) .
The power meter also indicates if the power
provided to the motor is limited or if regenerative
braking is limited. When power or regenerative
braking is limited, the circles on the display
change from a double circle to a single circle
2.
Regenerative braking is automatically reduced
when the Li-ion battery is fully charged to prevent
the Li-ion battery from becoming overcharged.
Regenerative braking is also automatically re-
duced when the Li-ion battery temperature is
high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones on the
Li-ion battery temperature gauge) to prevent Li-
ion battery damage.
The more regenerative braking is reduced the
more double circles change to single circles
If the Li-ion battery charge is low, power provided
to the traction motor is reduced. Motor output is
also limited if the Li-ion battery temperature is
high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones on the
Li-ion battery temperature gauge) or the Li-ion
battery charge level is low.
The more power provided to the traction motor is
reduced the more double circles change to
single circles.
DRIVING RANGE
The driving range1(miles or km) provides an
estimated distance that the vehicle can be driven
before recharging is necessary. The driving range
is constantly being calculated, based on the
amount of available Li-ion battery charge and the
actual power consumption average.
NOTE:
• The driving range display will flash when
the low battery charge warning light illu-
minates. Additionally, if you continue to
drive the vehicle in this state and the Li-
ion battery is close to being completely
discharged, “---” will be displayed. Charge
the Li-ion battery as soon as possible.
When the Li-ion battery is charged, the
original display will be restored.
• After the vehicle is charged, the displayed
driving range is calculated based on the
actual average energy consumption of the
previous driving. The displayed driving
range will vary every time the vehicle is
fully charged.
• The driving range will increases or de-
creases when the air conditioner, heater
or Li-ion battery warmer is turned on or
off, or the vehicle is shifted between D
(Drive) and ECO, or when any other acces-
sory is turned on or off based on driving.
2-8Instruments and controls
• Pressing the brake pedal when thepower switch position is not in the ON
or READY to drive position and/or low
brake fluid level may increase the
stopping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
• If the brake fluid level is below the minimum or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
Electric shift control system
warning light
This light illuminates to warn when a malfunction
occurs in the electric shift control system. When
the master warning illuminates, the chime sounds
and the message, “When parked apply parking
brake”, is displayed on the vehicle information
display.
When the power switch is in the OFF position,
the chime sounds continuously. Make sure the
parking brake is applied.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
EV system warning
light
This light illuminates if there is a malfunction in the
following systems. Contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
• Traction motor and inverter system
• Charge port or on board charger
• Li-ion battery system
• Cooling system
• Shift control system
• Emergency shut off system is activated. See
“Emergency shut off system” in the “EV over-
view” section.
Headlight warning
light
This light illuminates if the LED headlights are
malfunctioning. Contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
Low battery charge warning
light
This light illuminates when the available Li-ion
battery charge is getting low. Charge as soon as
it is possible, preferably before the Li-ion battery
available charge gauge reaches the bottom line.
NOTE:
The low battery charge warning light turns
off immediately before the Li-ion battery is
completely discharged and the vehicle will
stop. If the Li-ion battery becomes com-
pletely discharged, the vehicle must be
charged in order to be driven.
Low tire pressure warning
light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the power switch is placed in the ON posi-
tion, this light illuminates for about 1 second and
then turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure, the warning light will illuminate. A CHECK
TIRE PRESSURE warning also appears on the
vehicle information display.
2-16Instruments and controls
must be taken to your nearest NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
• The supplemental air bag warning light remainson after approximately 7 seconds.
• The supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently.
• The supplemental air bag warning light does not illuminate at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemental
Restraint Systems and/or the pretensioners may
not function properly.
For additional information, see “Supplemental re-
straint system” in the “Safety — Seats seat belts
and supplemental restraint system” section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the front air bag,
side air bag, curtain air bag and/or pre-
tensioner systems will not operate in an
accident. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer as soon as
possible.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light
The light will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system is operating, thus alerting
the driver that the vehicle is nearing its traction
limits. The road surface may be slippery.
When the VDC warning light illuminates with
VDC system turned on, this light alerts the driver
to the fact that the VDC system’s fail-safe mode
is operating, for example the VDC system may
not be functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. If a
malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC sys-
tem function will be canceled but the vehicle is
still driveable. For additional information, see “Ve-
hicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Exterior light indicator
This indicator illuminates when the headlight
switch is turned to the AUTO (if so equipped) ,
orposition and the front parking
lights, side maker lights, tail and license plate
lights are on. The indicator turns off when these
lights are turned off.
Front fog light indicator
light (if so equipped)
The front fog light indicator light illuminates when
the front fog lights are on. See “Fog light switch”
in this section.
Front passenger air bag status
light
The front passenger air bag status light (located
on the center of the instrument panel) will be lit
and the passenger front air bag will be turned
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System (front
seats)” in the “Safety — Seats seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of this
manual.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This light illuminates when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam is
selected.
Instruments and controls2-19
Plug in indicator light
This light illuminates while charge connector is
connected to the vehicle and blinks during charg-
ing.
NOTE:
If the charge connector is connected to the
vehicle, the power switch can not be placed
in the READY to drive position.
Power limitation indicator light
When the power limitation indicator light is illu-
minated, the power provided to the traction motor
is reduced. Therefore the vehicle is not as re-
sponsive when the accelerator is depressed
while the power limitation light is illuminated.
When this light comes on, the warning display
appears on the navigation display and the vehicle
information display. Follow the instructions pro-
vided on the navigation display.
This light illuminates in the following conditions.
• Li-ion battery available charge is extremely low
• Li-ion battery temperature is very low (approxi-mately −4°F (−20°C) • When the temperature of EV system is high
(motor, inverter, coolant system, Li-ion battery
etc.)
• When the EV system has a malfunction.
If the low battery charge warning light is illumi-
nated, charge the Li-ion battery as soon as pos-
sible.
If this indicator illuminates because the Li-ion
battery is cold due to low outside temperatures,
move the vehicle to a warmer location. The Li-ion
battery temperature may be increased by charg-
ing the Li-ion battery.
If the light illuminates when the EV system be-
comes hot due to continuous hill climbing either
continue driving at a slower safe speed, or stop
the vehicle in a safe location. If this indicator does
not turn off, contact a NISSAN certified dealer.
If the indicator illuminate when a part in the EV
system has malfunctioned. If the indicator illumi-
nates in a situation other than those described
above, or if it does not turn off, there may be a
system malfunction. Contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
WARNING
Power limitation mode can result in re-
duced power and vehicle speed. The re-
duced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful when
driving. If the vehicle cannot maintain a
safe driving speed, pull to the side of the
road in a safe area. Charge the Li-ion
battery if the charge is low or allow the
Li-ion battery to cool.
READY to drive indicator light
The READY to drive indicator light illuminates
when the EV (Electric Vehicle) System is pow-
ered and the vehicle may be driven.
The READY to drive indicator light will turn off in
the following conditions.
• Certain EV (Electric Vehicle) system malfunc- tions.
• The READY to drive indicator light turns off immediately before the Li-ion battery is com-
pletely discharged If the Li-ion battery becomes
completely discharged, the vehicle must be
charged in order to be driven. See “Low battery
charge warning light” in this section.
2-20Instruments and controls