•Less deceleration is provided by the re-
generative brake system when the Li-
ion battery is fully charged. The regen-
erative brake is automatically reduced
when the Li-ion battery is fully charged
to prevent the Li-ion battery from be-
coming overcharged. The regenerative
brake is also automatically reduced
when the 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 brake pedal should be used to slow
or stop the vehicle depending on traffic
or road conditions. The vehicle brakes
are not affected by the regenerative
brake system operation.NOISE AND VIBRATION
You might experience the following noise
or vibration as a normal characteristic of
this vehicle:
• Traction motor noise from the motor
compartment.
• Water pump and radiator fan noise while charging.
• 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 system
(power switch placed in the ON and OFF
position).
• Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestri- ans (VSP). This section provides a brief explanation
for the most important LEAF functions. For
additional information, refer to the specific
sections of this manual for detailed expla-
nations of the vehicle features and opera-
tion.
CHARGING THE LI-ION BATTERY
WARNING
The EV system uses a high voltage cur-
rent. Failure to follow the proper han-
dling instructions may cause serious
injury or death. Be sure to read the
“Charging” section and follow the pro-
cedures and guidelines described.
LIFE WITH AN EV (SCENE GUIDE)
EV-12EV Overview
OPERATING THE CLIMATE
CONTROL SYSTEM BEFORE
DRIVING
The vehicle’s heating and air conditioning
system can be turned on via remote con-
trol with an internet enabled smart phone
or personal computer.This allows the interior of the vehicle to be
heated or cooled while the vehicle is charg-
ing. This reduces the load on the Li-ion bat-
tery while the vehicle is being driven and
can help increase the vehicle driving range.
For additional information, refer to “Remote
climate control” in the “Monitor, climate, au-
dio, phone and voice recognition systems”
section of this manual.
Notification of the Li-ion battery
warmer operation (if so equipped)
You can be notified with the status of the
Li-ion battery warmer operation on the
NISSAN Data Center website via an internet
enabled smart phone or personal computer.
When the power switch is in the OFF posi-
tion and the charge connector is not con-
nected, if the Li-ion battery warmer starts
or stops, it notifies you to connect the char-
ger to the vehicle.
For additional information, refer to the
NissanConnect® Manual (for Leaf ).
EV-16EV Overview
STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
1. Depress the brake pedal1.
2. Push the power switch
2.
3. Check that the READY to Drive indicator light
3illuminates. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Ready to drive indicator
light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
4. For models with Navigation System: If route guidance is necessary, enter the
destination in the navigation system.
For additional information, refer to the
NissanConnect® Manual (for Leaf ). 5. Check the Li-ion battery level and the
estimated driving range shown on the
meter. For additional information, refer
to “Driving range” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
EV OverviewEV-17
• Do not operate the charging timer repeat-edly while the charge connector is con-
nected to the vehicle af ter the Li-ion bat-
tery 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. For additional information,
refer to “Li-ion battery available charge
gauge” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
LI-ION BATTERY MAINTENANCE
In addition to the regular maintenance rec-
ommended by NISSAN, the LEAF requires
some special Li-ion battery inspections.
• For additional information, refer to theNISSAN Warranty Information Booklet for
significant limitations, exclusions and pos-
sible voiding of your warranty resulting
from failure to have these necessary in-
spections, repairs and/or adjustments
performed.
• For additional information, refer to the NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide
for a detailed explanation of the Li-ion bat-
tery inspection and intervals.
METERS AND INDICATORS
Various meters and gauges related to the
EV functions are displayed in the vehicle
information display.
Meter
Master warning light:
The master warning light (red or yellow)
1
illuminates when messages are displayed
on the vehicle information display.
For additional information, refer to “Master
warning light (red/yellow)” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
EV UNIQUE INFORMATION
EV OverviewEV-25
APPROACHING VEHICLE SOUND
FOR PEDESTRIANS (VSP) SYSTEM
The Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedes-
trians (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 pro-
duces a sound.
The sound stops when the vehicle speed is
more than 19 mph (30 km/h) while acceler-
ating.The sound starts when the vehicle speed is
less than 16 mph (25 km/h) while deceler-
ating.
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, pedes- trians may not notice the oncoming
vehicle, which may cause an acci-
dent resulting in serious injury or
death. It is recommended that you
immediately visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for VSP system inspec-
tion. • If the VSP system OFF warning light
illuminates while the power switch
is in the ON position, or in the READY
to Drive position, it may indicate the
VSP system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the VSP system checked. It
is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this
service. For additional information,
refer to “Approaching Vehicle Sound
for Pedestrians (VSP) system OFF
warning light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
If you wish to make the sound of the VSP
system louder, it is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this
service. It is not possible to make the sound
lower.
EV-28EV Overview
ELECTRIC SHIFT CONTROL
SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with an electric
shif t control system. This control system
has three features:
• Smooth and easy shif t lever operation.
• To place the vehicle in the P (Park) position,push the P (Park) position switch on the
shif t 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” sec-
tion of this manual.
LED HEADLIGHT (LOW BEAM) (IF SO
EQUIPPED)
This vehicle uses an LED headlight for the
headlight low beam. The LED headlight has
the following features:
• Low power consumption
• The shape is very compact.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer to replace the head-
light.
DRIVING RANGE
On the vehicle information display or navi-
gation system screen (if so equipped), you
can check the estimated distance the
vehicle may be driven with the available
Li-ion battery charge. For additional infor-
mation, refer to the NissanConnect®
Manual (for Leaf ).
EV OverviewEV-29
NOTE:
•When charging the Li-ion battery, place
the power switch in the OFF position.
When the power switch is in the ON po-
sition, the Li-ion battery will not start
charging.
• For your safety, if the charge connector
is connected to the vehicle while the
power switch is in the READY to drive,
the vehicle will automatically switch to
the ON position. Because charging will
not be started while the power switch is
in this position, be sure to place the
power switch in the OFF position.
• When the ambient temperature is 32°F
(0°C) or less, charging time may be lon-
ger than normal and the level to which
the Li-ion battery can be charged may
be less than at higher temperatures.
• Do not operate the charging timer re-
peatedly while the charge connector is
connected to the vehicle af ter the Li-ion
battery charging is completed. Doing so
may discharge the 12-volt battery. For
additional information, refer to “Charg-
ing timer” in this section. If the Li-ion
battery becomes discharged, charge it
immediately. •
The power switch can be set to the ON
position and the climate control and
navigation system (if so equipped) can
be used while the Li-ion battery is
charging. However, because these op-
erations consume Li-ion battery power,
it will take longer for the Li-ion battery
to become fully charged. Place the
power switch in the OFF position to help
reduce Li-ion battery charge time.
• If electrical power is interrupted while
charging, charging restarts automati-
cally when the electrical power is re-
stored.
• It is recommended to keep the charge
cable connected to save Li-ion battery
power, when the heater and air condi-
tioner are operating with remote opera-
tion (models with Navigation System).
• If the charge port is frozen, melt the ice
using a hair dryer. Af ter the ice has
melted, charge the Li-ion battery. Forc-
ing the charge connector to connect
may cause a malfunction. •
If foreign materials have entered the
charge connector and charge port and
it is not possible to connect it, do not
attempt to force the connection. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer. Forcing the
charge connector to connect may
cause damage to the charging equip-
ment and vehicle.
• There is a hole on the charge port for
water drainage. If the water drainage
hole becomes blocked, or if water gets
trapped inside the charge port, do not
charge. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
CH-4Charging
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, temperature of
the Li-ion battery, ambient temperature
and condition of the power source con-
nected to the vehicle, and whether the
electric equipment (such as the air condi-
tioner, which consumes electric power) is
used.
Normal charge
NISSAN recommends using normal charg-
ing 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 L1 & L2 EVSE (Electric
Vehicle Supply Equipment), or an SAE
J1772 compliant charging device con-
nected to a dedicated AC 220 - 240 volt
circuit. L1 & L2 EVSE is provided with the
vehicle (if so equipped). The charging de-
vice is a home charging dock installed in
your home by a qualified electrician. Con-
tact your NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. For
additional information, refer to “How to nor-
mal charge” in this section.Trickle charge
Trickle charging is not recommended for
regular use because it takes more time
than normal charging. Trickle charge can
be used when it is necessary to perform an
emergency charge at a destination such
as a friend’s house.
Trickle charge uses the EVSE (Electric Ve-
hicle Supply Equipment) provided with the
vehicle 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 to avoid
overloading the circuit or other electrical
hazard.
For additional information, refer to “How to
trickle charge” in this section.
Quick charge (if so equipped)
Quick charge capability is only available on
vehicles manufactured with the quick
charge option, which includes the quick
charge port. If your vehicle does not have
such a port, quick charging cannot be
used.
A vehicle equipped with a quick charge
port is compatible with most CHAdeMO
(Japanese industry standard) connectors
on charging stations. 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
near the red zone, in order to protect the
battery, power of the quick charging will be
limited.
Public charging:
This vehicle is compatible with any public
charging station that is SAE J1772 compli-
ant. 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 hard-
ware and sof tware differences. NISSAN is
working with states, municipalities, utility
companies and others to assist in the
preparation of markets and infrastructure.
However, NISSAN makes no representa-
tions that public charging stations will be
available in locations where you wish to
ChargingCH-7