LI-ION BATTERY MAINTENANCE
In addition to the regular maintenance recom-
mended by NISSAN, the LEAF requires some
special Li-ion battery inspections.
• For additional information, refer to the NISSANWarranty Information Booklet for significant
limitations, exclusions and possible voiding of
your warranty resulting from failure to have
these necessary inspections, repairs and/or ad-
justments performed.
• For additional information, 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 system uses the following EV 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 30 km/h (19 mph) while accelerating.
The sound starts when the vehicle speed is less
than 25 km/h (16 mph) 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. It is
recommended that you immediately
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
for VSP system inspection.
• 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 VSP system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer for this service. For
additional information, refer to “Ap-
proaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestri-
ans (VSP) system warning light” in the
“Instruments and controls” section of
this manual.
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 an LED headlight for the head-
light low beam. The LED headlight has the follow-
ing features:
• Low power consumption
• The shape is very compact.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer to replace 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 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.
– Do not store and use charging equipment in locations where the
temperature is over 185°F (85°C) .
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. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for additional information.
It takes approximately 5.5 to 9.5 hours (depend-
ing 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
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 states, 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 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
temperature 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
E10 or more seg-
ments illuminatedMore than approxi-
mately 60 minutes
CH-8Charging
NOTE:
Charging time is typically limited to 60 min-
utes when using a quick charger. Push the
start switch on the quick charger after it
stops if additional charge time is necessary
to reach an 80% charge.
For additional information, refer to “How to quick
charge” in this section.
Power Limitation Mode
This mode protects the health and operation of
the vehicle’s Li-ion battery. This mode operates in
certain extreme conditions (heat, cold, low state
of charge) . Power available to vehicle systems,
including its traction motor, is limited resulting in
limited performance, acceleration and top speed.
Charging may be automatically terminated, espe-
cially with repeated quick charging in extreme hot
weather.
Checking Li-ion battery charge
The three methods for checking the amount of
charge are as follows:
• Check by using the Li-ion battery availablecharge gauge on the meter when the power
switch is placed in the ON position. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Li-ion battery avail-
able charge gauge” and “Li-ion battery low charge warning” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual.
•
Check by using an internet enabled smart phone
or personal computer. For additional information,
refer to the LEAF Navigation System Owner’s
Manual (models with navigation system) .
• Check by using the charging status indicator light. For additional information, refer to “Charg-
ing status indicator lights” in this section.
NOTE:
•During the charge operation, charge con-
tinues when the power switch is placed in
the ON position.
• The Li-ion battery cannot be charged if the
quick charge connector and the normal
charge connector are connected at the
same time. If another charge connector is
connected mid-charge, charging will stop.
• For safety reasons, it is not possible to
switch to the READY to drive position
while a charge connector is connected.
• During charging, it is possible that the
radio may be inaudible due to noise by the
electromagnetic wave.
HOW TO NORMAL CHARGE
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.
• Be sure to follow the precautions for using the charger that can be installed
in your home. Failing to do so could
result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION
• Do not use any charging equipment that is not compatible with the LEAF.
Doing so could prevent the Li-ion bat-
tery from charging properly or could
result in damage to the vehicle or Li-
ion battery.
• Normal charge uses the charging device (AC 220 - 240 volt, 16A or 32A) that can be in-
stalled in your home to charge the Li-ion battery.
ChargingCH-9
To stop normal charge:
1. Ensure that the charge connector lock is notengaged. For additional information, refer to
“Charge connector lock switch” in this
section.
2. Press the button on the charge connector, release the lock and remove the charge con-
nector from the charge port and properly
store it.
3. After closing the charge port cap on the charge port, close the charge port lid.
NOTE:
To stop charging mid-charge, remove the charge
connector. Charging automatically stops.
HOW TO TRICKLE CHARGE
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.
• In order to avoid an electric shock or fire due to a short circuit, connect to a
GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) circuit
breaker and use a waterproof electri-
cal ground socket.
• The NISSAN Genuine EVSE charging device provided with your vehicle
draws 12 amps continuously while
charging the Li-ion battery. Do not plug
in to any electrical circuit unless it is
inspected by a licensed electrician to
confirm that the electrical circuit can
accept a 12 amp draw. Any electrical
circuit has a much higher likelihood of
being compromised in the following
conditions listed below. – Improper use of the charger may
result in a fire and serious injury or
death.
– Do not use this charger in structures more than 40 years old.
– Do not use this charger in structures using fuse-based circuit protection.
Use only with electrical circuits pro-
tected by circuit breakers.
– Do not use this charger on electrical circuits with two-prong outlets.
– Do not use charger if outlet appears damaged or will not hold plug firmly.
– Discontinue charger use immedi- ately if plug or outlet becomes hot
to the touch or if you notice any
unusual odors.
– Do not use charger if other devices are plugged into the same circuit.
– Never use extension cords or plug adapters with charger.
– Do not operate with a damaged cord.
– Always unplug the charger when not in use.
– When unplugging, be sure to pull by the plug and not the cord.
ChargingCH-11