2016 NISSAN LEAF Owners Manual

CHARGING 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. For additional information, refer to “Charg-
ing timer” in the “Charging” section of this
manual.
1. When the power switch is turned off, thesettings of the charging timer, and the Climate
Ctrl. Timer and the charge connector lock functions are displayed on the vehicle infor-
mation display. For additional information, re-
fer to “Vehicle information display” in the “In-
struments and controls” section of this
manual.
2. Open the charge port lid and charge port cap. For additional information, refer to “Charge
port lid” in the “Pre-driving checks and adjust-
ments” section of this manual.
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
the 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 a text message
capable cellular phone, internet enabled
smart phone or personal computer. For
additional information, refer to “Charging
related remote function” in the “Charg-
ing” section (models with navigation sys-
tem) of this manual.
• 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.
Refer to the Monroney label (window sticker) for
the official EPA range. Your actual range can vary,
either initially or as the battery ages and with use
over time. For additional information, refer to “Im-
prove driving range” in this section for information
of the factors that affect vehicle range an 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 – The ECO mode helps reduce power con-sumption by reducing acceleration when
compared to the same accelerator pedal
position in the D (Drive) position.
• Drive at a constant speed. Maintain cruising speeds with 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
consumption.
• 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 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 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 more than 7 days.
• Avoid leaving your vehicle for more than 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 (if so
equipped)) .
• 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 three months. Do
not operate the charging timer repeatedly while
the charge connector is connected to the ve-
hicle after the Li-ion battery charging is com-
pleted. 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. For additional information, refer to “Li-
ion battery available charge gauge” in the “In-
struments and controls” section of this
manual.
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.
• 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

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, refer to “ECO indica-
tor” in the “Instruments and controls” section of
this manual.Lower display
Li-ion battery temperature gauge:
This gauge displays the temperature of the Li-ion
battery.
For additional information, refer to “Li-ion battery
temperature gauge” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual.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, refer to “Power meter”
in the “Instruments and controls” section of this
manual.
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, refer to “Driving range”
in the “Instruments and controls” section of this
manual.Li-ion battery available charge gauge:
This gauge displays the available Li-ion battery
power remaining to drive the vehicle.
For additional information, refer to “Li-ion battery
available charge gauge” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
Li-ion battery capacity level gauge:
This gauge displays the available capacity of the
Li-ion battery remaining to store power.
For additional information, refer to “Li-ion battery
capacity level gauge” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
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 (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