
•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

• Use the air conditioner/heater and closewindows to reduce drag when cruising at
highway speed.
• Vehicle range may be substantially re- duced in extremely cold conditions (for ex-
ample, -4°F (-20°C)).
• Using the climate control system to heat the cabin when the 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).
• When it is cold, use the steering wheel heater in substitution for the heater/air
conditioner. The steering wheel heater
consumes less power than the heater/air
conditioner.
• Release the accelerator pedal to slow down and do not apply the brakes when
traffic and road conditions allow. – This vehicle is equipped with a regen-erative brake system. The primary pur-
pose of the regenerative brake system
is to provide some power to recharge
the Li-ion battery and extend driving
range. A secondary benefit is “engine
braking” that operates based on Li-ion battery conditions. In the D (Drive) posi-
tion, when the accelerator is released,
the regenerative brake system pro-
vides 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 ve-
hicle range when the vehicle was new. This
is normal and expected, and does not indi-
cate 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 ve-
hicle, store the vehicle, how you charge the
Li-ion battery and Li-ion battery tempera-
ture during vehicle operation and charging.
To maximize the battery's useful life, use
the following driving and charging habits
where possible:
• Avoid exposing a vehicle to extreme am-
bient temperatures for extended periods. • Avoid storing a vehicle in temperatures
below −13°F (−25°C) for more than seven
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 af ter use before charging.
• Park/store your vehicle in cool locations out of direct sunlight and away from heat
sources.
• Avoid sustained high battery tempera- tures (caused, for example, by exposure to
very high ambient temperatures or ex-
tending highway driving with multiple
quick charges [if so equipped]) .
• Use the normal charging or trickle charg- ing methods to charge the Li-ion battery
and minimize the use of public Fast
Charge or Quick Charger.
• Moderate driving.
• Use of ECO mode.
EV-24EV Overview

• The cooperative regenerative brakesystem may not be working prop-
erly if the brake system warning
light illuminates when the READY to
drive indicator light is ON. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving could be
dangerous.
orBrake warning
light (red)
When the power switch is placed in the ON
position or in the READY to drive position,
the light remains illuminated for about a
few seconds. If the light illuminates at any
other time, it may indicate that the hydrau-
lic brake system is not functioning properly.
If the BRAKE warning light illuminates, stop
the vehicle immediately and have the sys-
tem checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this
service. Parking brake indicator:
When the power switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the park-
ing brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the power switch is in the ON posi-
tion, the light warns of a low brake fluid
level. If this warning light illuminates, the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light and the brake system warning light
(yellow) also illuminate.
If the light illuminates while the power
switch is in the READY to drive position with
the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle and perform the following items.
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid is
necessary, add fluid and have the sys-
tem checked. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
for this service. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Brake fluid” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual. 2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
WARNING
• Your brake system may not be work- ing properly if the warning light is
on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge the brake system to be
safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Other-
wise, have your vehicle towed be-
cause driving it could be dangerous.
• Pressing the brake pedal when the power 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 require 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. It is
recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this
service.
2-20Instruments and controls

Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light
This light illuminates when the Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) is turned off in the
vehicle information display. This indicates
that the VDC system is not operating. For
additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Start-
ing and driving” section of this manual.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it will make a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in mo-
tion. This scraping sound will first occur
only when the brake pedal is depressed.
Af ter more wear of the brake pad, the
sound will always be heard even if the
brake pedal is not depressed. Have the
brakes checked as soon as possible if the
warning sound is heard.
Electric shif t control system
reminder chime
If an improper shif t operation is performed,
for safety reasons a chime will sound and
at the same time, depending on the condi-
tions, the operation will be canceled or the
shif t position will switch to the N (Neutral)
position.
For additional information, refer to “Driving
the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver's side door is
opened while the power switch is pushed
to the ON or ACC position.
Make sure that the power switch is pushed
to the OFF position, and take the Intelligent
Key with you when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
The light reminder chime will sound when
the driver side door is opened with the light
switch in the
orposition, and
the power switch is in the ACC, OFF or LOCK
position. Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Parking brake reminder chime
(if so equipped)
A chime sounds if the parking brake is set
and the vehicle is driven. The chime will
stop if the parking brake is released or the
vehicle speed returns to zero.
Power switch reminder chime
The power switch reminder chime will
sound when the driver's door is opened
while the power switch is in the ON or
READY to drive position. Push the power
switch to the OFF position.
Seat belt warning chime
The seat belt warning chime will sound for
about 6 seconds unless the driver’s seat
belt is securely fastened.
12-volt battery charge warning
chime
If the 12-volt battery charge warning light
illuminates, the chime will sound when a
warning message is displayed in the ve-
hicle information display.
Instruments and controls2-27

Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in
collisions and rollovers.In a rollover crash,
an unbelted or improperly belted person
is significantly more likely to be injured
or killed than a person properly wearing
a seat belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or lef t side
wheels may unintentionally leave the road
surface. If this occurs, maintain control of
the vehicle by following the procedure be-
low. Please note that this procedure is only
a general guide. The vehicle must be driven
as appropriate based on the conditions of
the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a
straight course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the ac- celerator pedal to gradually slow the
vehicle. 5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle to follow the road while the ve-
hicle speed is reduced. Do not attempt
to drive the vehicle back onto the road
surface until the vehicle speed is
reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the steering wheel until both tires return
to the road surface. When all tires are on
the road surface, steer the vehicle to
stay in the appropriate driving lane.
• If you decide that it is not safe to return the vehicle to the road surface based
on vehicle, road or traffic conditions,
gradually slow the vehicle to a stop in a
safe place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged
due to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air
pressure loss can also be caused by driving
on under-inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the han-
dling and stability of the vehicle, especially
at highway speeds. Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by
maintaining the correct air pressure and
visually inspecting the tires for wear and
damage. For additional information, refer
to “Wheels and tires” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.
If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-
out” while driving, maintain control of the
vehicle by following the procedure below.
Please note that this procedure is only a
general guide. The vehicle must be driven
as appropriate based on the conditions of
the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle
if there is a sudden loss of tire air pres-
sure. Losing control of the vehicle may
cause a collision and result in personal
injury.
• The vehicle generally moves or pulls in the direction of the flat tire.
• Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
• Do not rapidly release the accelera- tor pedal.
• Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
5-8Starting and driving

P (Park):
Use this shif t position when the vehicle is
parked or when placing the vehicle in the
READY to drive position. Make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped.In order to
switch to the P (Park) position, push the P
(Park) position switch as shown in the
illustration above once the vehicle has
come to a complete stop. If the P (Park)
position switch is pushed while the ve-
hicle is in motion, a chime sounds and
the current shif t position is maintained.
Af ter switching to the P (Park) position, ap-
ply the parking brake. When parking on a
hill, apply the parking brake first while keep- ing the foot brake pedal depressed then
push the P (Park) position switch and place
the vehicle in the P (Park) position. For ad-
ditional information, refer to “Parking brake”
in this section.
NOTE:
•
While the vehicle is stationary, if the
shif t position is placed in any position
other than the P (Park) position when
the power switch is set to OFF, it will
automatically switch to the P (Park) po-
sition.
• If the P (Park) position switch is pushed
while sliding the shif t lever, the shif t po-
sition will not switch to the P (Park) po-
sition. When pushing the P (Park) posi-
tion switch be sure to first allow the
shif t lever to return to its center posi-
tion. R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Make sure that
the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position.
If the ve-
hicle is placed in the D (Drive) position
while reversing, the chime will sound and
the vehicle will switch into the N (Neutral)
position.
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The vehicle can be placed in the
READY to drive position in this position.
Do not shif t to the N (Neutral) position while
driving. The regenerative brake system
does not operate in the N (Neutral) position.
However, the vehicle brakes will still stop
the car.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving. If the vehicle is placed in the D
(Drive) position while reversing, the
chime will sound and the vehicle will
switch into the N (Neutral) position.
5-18Starting and driving

• Do not place reflective materials, such aswhite paper or a mirror, on the instrument
panel. The reflection of sunlight may ad-
versely affect the camera unit’s capability
of detecting the lane markers.
• Do not strike or damage the areas around the camera unit. Do not touch the camera
lens or remove the screw located on the
camera unit. If the camera unit is dam-
aged due to an accident, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and in-
structions for proper use of the I-LI
system could result in serious injury or
death.
• The I-LI system will not steer the ve- hicle or prevent loss of control. It is
the driver’s responsibility to stay
alert, drive safely, keep the vehicle in
the traveling lane, and be in control
of the vehicle at all times. • The I-LI system is primarily intended
for use on well-developed freeways
or highways. It may not detect the
lane markers in certain road,
weather, or driving conditions.
The I-LI system must be turned on with the
ProPILOT Assist switch on the steering
wheel every time the power switch is
placed in the ON position.
The I-LI system will operate when the ve-
hicle is driven at speeds of approximately
37 mph (60 km/h) and above, and only
when the lane markings are clearly visible
on the road.
The I-LI system warns the driver when the
vehicle has lef t the center of the traveling
lane with an indicator in the vehicle infor-
mation display and a steering vibration.
The system helps assist the driver to return
the vehicle to the center of the traveling
lane by applying the brakes to the lef t or
right wheels individually (for a short period
of time).
The I-LI system monitors the lane markers
on the traveling lane using the camera unit
Alocated above the inside mirror.
INTELLIGENT LANE INTERVENTION
(I-LI) (IF SO EQUIPPED)
Starting and driving5-31

I-LI SYSTEM OPERATION
The I-LI system operates above approxi-
mately 37 mph (60 km/h). When the vehicle
approaches either the lef t or the right side
of the traveling lane, the steering wheel will
vibrate and the I-LI indicator (orange) in the
vehicle information display will blink to alert
the driver. Then, the I-LI system will auto-
matically apply the brakes for a short
period of time to help assist the driver to
return the vehicle to the center of the trav-
eling lane.
To turn on the I-LI system, push the Pro-
PILOT Assist switch on the steering wheel.
Push the ProPILOT Assist switch again to
turn off the I-LI system.
5-32Starting and driving