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
system malfunctions, the READY to drive indica-
tor light will turn off. For additional information,
refer to “Warning lights, indicator lights and au-
dible reminders” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual.
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 the READY to drive position; contact a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. Even if the power
switch is switched to the 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 possible.
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, B or R
(Reverse) position, if you release the
brake pedal and do not depress the
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 regenerative
brake system. The primary purpose of the
regenerative brake system is to provide
some power to recharge the Li-ion battery
and extend driving range. A secondary ben-
efit is “engine braking” that operates based
on Li-ion battery conditions.
•In the D (Drive) position, when the accelera-
tor pedal is released, the regenerative
brake system provides some deceleration.
• When you put the shift lever in the B
position and take your foot off the accel-
erator pedal, more regenerative brake is
applied than in the D (Drive) position.
EV (ELECTRIC VEHICLE)
CHARACTERISTICS
EV OverviewEV-9
If the low battery charge warning light
illuminates, the Li-ion battery charge is too low for
travel. For additional information, refer toLow
battery charge warning light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual. Charge the
Li-ion battery as soon as possible.
EV-20EV Overview
LI-ION BATTERY MAINTENANCE
In addition to the regular maintenance recom-
mended by NISSAN, the LEAF requires some
special Li-ion battery inspections.
• Refer to the NISSAN Warranty InformationBooklet for significant limitations, exclusions
and possible voiding of your warranty resulting
from failure to have these necessary inspec-
tions, repairs and/or adjustments performed.
• Refer to 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, refer to “Master warn-
ing light (red/yellow)” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
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 (if so equipped)
12. Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
(VSP) system warning light
For additional information, refer to “Warning
lights, indicator lights and audible reminders” in
the “Instruments and controls” section of this
manual.
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 sound stops when the vehicle stops.
The sound does not stop with the vehicle in the R
(Reverse) position even if the vehicle stops.
WARNING
• If the sound cannot be heard, pedestri- ans may not notice the oncoming ve-
hicle, which may cause an accident re-
sulting in serious injury or death.
Immediately contact a NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer for VSP system in-
spection.
• If the VSP system warning light illumi- nates while the power switch is in the
ON position, or in the READY to drive
position, it may indicate the VSP sys-
tem is not functioning properly. Have
the system checked by a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer. See “Approaching
Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP)
system warning light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section.
ELECTRIC SHIFT CONTROL
SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with an electric shift
control system. This control system has three
features.
• Smooth and easy shift lever operation.
• To place the vehicle in the P (Park) position,
push the P (Park) position switch on the shift
lever.
• The vehicle automatically applies the P (Park) position when the power switch is placed in the
OFF position. For additional information, refer to “Driving the
vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
LED HEADLIGHT (LOW BEAM) (IF
SO EQUIPPED)
This vehicle uses a LED headlight for the head-
light low beam. The LED headlight has the follow-
ing features.
• Low power consumption
• The shape is very compact.
Contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer to re-
place the headlight.
EV OverviewEV-29
WARNING
• If you use any medical electric devices, such as an implantable cardiac pace-
maker or an implantable cardiovascu-
lar defibrillator, check with the electric
medical device manufacturer concern-
ing the effects that charging may have
on implanted devices before starting
the charge operation. Charging may
affect the operation.
• Make sure there is no water or foreign materials in the charge port, charge
connector or electrical plug, and that
they are not damaged or affected by
rust or corrosion. If any of these condi-
tions are noticeable, do not charge the
Li-ion battery. This may result in a
short circuit or electric shock and
could cause a fire which may result in
serious personal injury or death.
• To avoid serious personal injury or death when the Li-ion battery is charg-
ing, be aware of the following precau-
tions.
– Do not touch the metal contacts ofthe charge port, charge connector or
electrical plug. – Do not touch the vehicle and charger
when there is lightning. A lightning
strike may back feed into the char-
ger causing damage and possible
personal injury or death.
• Make sure the charge connector is re- moved from the charge port before
starting your vehicle. If the charge con-
nector is only partially engaged and
the connector latch is unlocked, it is
possible to place the EV (Electric Ve-
hicle) in the READY to drive position.
• Do not plug in or unplug the plug with wet hands and do not stand in water,
liquid or snow. This may cause an elec-
tric shock which may result in serious
personal injury or death.
• Do not disassemble or modify the charge port or the EVSE (Electric Ve-
hicle Supply Equipment) . This may
cause a fire.
• If you notice an unusual odor or smoke coming from the vehicle, stop charging
immediately. • Be careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or get caught in, the trac-
tion motor cooling fan. The cooling fan
can start at any time during charging.
CAUTION
• To prevent damage to the charging
equipment:
– Do not close the charge port lid
without closing the cap.
– Do not subject the charging equip- ment to impact.
– Do not pull or twist the charge cable.
– Do not drag the charge cable.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHARGING
CH-2Charging
This vehicle is an electric vehicle and it requires
electricity to operate. The Li-ion battery is the only
source of power to operate the vehicle. It is
important to conserve power and plan your
charging needs when you drive to avoid com-
pletely discharging the Li-ion battery and being
unable to drive.
There are three methods available to charge the
Li-ion battery;
• Normal charge
• Trickle charge
• Quick charge (if so equipped)
The time to completely charge the vehicle Li-ion
battery varies, based on the state of charge of the
Li-ion battery, condition and age of the Li-ion
battery, ambient temperature and condition of the
power source connected to the vehicle. The
charging times provided in this manual are esti-
mates only and may vary.Normal charge
NISSAN recommends using normal charging for
usual charging of the vehicle. Use of quick charge
should be minimized in order to help prolong
Li-ion battery life.
Normal charging uses an SAE J1772 compliant
charging device that can be installed on a dedi-
cated 220V/240V circuit in your home. NISSAN
recommends the installation of a home charging
dock by a licensed professional electrician.
NISSAN has contracted with a company to assist
you in purchasing and installing a charger. Con-
tact your NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
It takes approximately 5.5 to 9.5 hours for the 30
kWh battery (depending on the charger) in order
to charge the Li-ion battery from discharged (low
battery charge warning light illuminated) to 100%
charged.
For additional information, refer to “How to nor-
mal charge” in this section.Trickle Charge
Trickle charging is not recommended for regular
use. Trickle charge can be used when it is nec-
essary to perform an emergency charge at a
destination such as a friend’s house.
Trickle charge uses the EVSE (Electric Vehicle
Supply Equipment) or an SAE J1772 compliant
cord set to connect the vehicle to an AC 110–
120 volt, 15A dedicated outlet. The outlet should
be protected by a circuit breaker or fuse to avoid
overloading the circuit or other electrical hazard.
It takes approximately 26 hours to charge the 30
kWh Li-ion battery from discharged (low battery
charge warning light illuminated) to 100%
charged.
For additional information, refer to “How to trickle
charge” in this section.
Quick charge (if so equipped)
Quick charge capability is only available on ve-
hicles manufactured with the quick charge op-
tion, which includes the quick charge port. If your
vehicle does not have such a port, quick charging
cannot be used.
ChargingCH-7
A vehicle equipped with a quick charge port is
compatible with most CHAdeMO (Japanese in-
dustry standard) connectors on charging sta-
tions. Charging stations using this standard are
UL certified and safe to use in the US. While
supported by NISSAN, this connector may not
become the US SAE standard.
Quick charging is possible (even several times a
day) if the battery temperature is not near the red
zone. If the battery temperature reaches the red
zone, in order to protect the battery, quick charg-
ing is not allowed and the power limitation mode
will be triggered.
Public charging:
This vehicle is compatible with any public charg-
ing station that is SAE J1772 compliant. If you
attempt to charge from a non-compliant charging
station, you may not receive a complete charge,
or you may not be able to charge at all due to
hardware and software differences. NISSAN is
working with state, municipalities, utility compa-
nies and others to assist in the preparation of
markets and infrastructure. However, NISSAN
makes no representations that public charging
stations will be available in locations where you
wish to operate the vehicle, nor can NISSAN
predict the period of time it may take for publiccharging infrastructure to be developed in your
area. Depending on where you live or drive, there
may not be sufficient public charging stations
available to meet your particular needs for driving
range and charging away from your home. Trip
planning is therefore important, and you should
plan trips with these facts in mind.
Quick charge uses public charging stations (up
to 50 kW of power) .
The time needed to charge the Li-ion battery from
discharged (low battery charge warning light illu-
minated) to 80% charged using the a quick char-
ger depends on many factors including the Li-ion
battery temperature and the type of quick charger
used.
It may take more time to charge the Li-ion battery
using the quick charger if the vehicle is parked in
a cold location (for example below 32°F (0°C))
for a long time.
The Li-ion battery temperature gauge can be
used to estimate the approximate time needed to
charge the Li-ion battery to 80%.
Li-ion battery tem-
perature gauge Estimated charge
time
A3 or fewer seg-
ments illuminated More than approxi-
mately 90 minutes
B4-5 segments illu-
minatedApproximately 30-90
minutes
C6-7 segments illu-
minatedApproximately 30
minutes
D8-9 segments illu-
minatedApproximately 30-60
minutes
CH-8Charging