MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification could affect its perfor-
mance, safety or durability, and may
even violate governmental regula-
tions. In addition, damage or perfor-
mance problems resulting from modi-
fication may not be covered under
NISSAN warranties.
WARNING
Installing an af termarket On-Board Di-
agnostic (OBD) plug-in device that
uses the port during normal driving,
for example remote insurance com-
pany monitoring, remote vehicle diag-
nostics, telematics or engine repro-
gramming, may cause interference or
damage to vehicle systems. We do not
recommend or endorse the use of any
af termarket OBD plug-in devices, un-
less specifically approved by NISSAN.
The vehicle warranty may not cover
damage caused by any af termarket
plug-in device. This manual includes information for all
features and equipment available on this
model. Features and equipment in your ve-
hicle may vary depending on model, trim
level, options selected, order, date of pro-
duction, region or availability. Therefore,
you may find information about features or
equipment that are not included or in-
stalled on your vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustra-
tions in this manual are those in effect at
the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the
right to change specifications, perfor-
mance, design or component suppliers
without notice and without obligation.
From time to time, NISSAN may update or
revise this manual to provide Owners with
the most accurate information currently
available. Please carefully read and retain
with this manual all revision updates sent
to you by NISSAN to ensure you have
access to accurate and up-to-date
information regarding your vehicle. Current
versions of vehicle Owner's Manuals and
any updates can also be found in the
Owner section of the NISSAN website at
https://owners.nissanusa.com/nowners/
navigation/manualsGuide. If you have ques-tions concerning any information in your
Owner's Manual, contact NISSAN Con-
sumer Affairs. For contact information, re-
fer to the NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PRO-
GRAM page in this Owner’s Manual.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
THIS MANUAL
You will see various symbols in this manual.
They are used in the following ways:
WARNING
This is used to indicate the presence of
a hazard that could cause death or se-
rious personal injury. To avoid or re-
duce the risk, the procedures must be
followed precisely.
CAUTION
This is used to indicate the presence of
a hazard that could cause minor or
moderate personal injury or damage
to your vehicle. To avoid or reduce the
risk, the procedures must be followed
carefully.
WHEN READING THE MANUAL
The LEAF is an electric vehicle. Some of the
vehicle’s systems operate differently and
have different operating characteristics
than vehicles equipped with an internal
combustion engine. It is important to care-
fully review the entire Owner's Manual for
this reason. The main difference is the LEAF
is powered by electricity. The LEAF does not
require and it is not capable of using gaso-
line like a vehicle powered by a traditional
internal combustion engine. The LEAF uses
electricity stored in the lithium ion (Li-ion)
battery. The vehicle’s Li-ion battery must
be charged with electricity before the ve-
hicle can be driven. As the vehicle operates,
the Li-ion battery gradually discharges. If
the Li-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged, the vehicle will not operate until it
is re-charged.
This vehicle uses two types of batteries.
One is the 12-volt battery that is the same
as the battery in vehicles powered by
gasoline engines, the other is the Li-ion
battery (high voltage).The 12-volt battery provides power to the
vehicle systems and features such as the
audio system, supplemental restraint sys-
tems, headlights and windshield wipers.
The Li-ion battery provides power to the
electric motor (traction motor) that moves
the vehicle.
The Li-ion battery also charges the 12-volt
battery.
The vehicle must be plugged in for the Li-
ion battery to be charged. Additionally, the
vehicle system can extend the vehicle
range by converting driving force into elec-
tricity that is stored in the Li-ion battery
while the vehicle is decelerating or being
driven downhill. This is called regenerative
braking. This vehicle is considered to be an
environmentally friendly vehicle because it
does not emit exhaust gases, such as car-
bon dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
WARNING
Your vehicle contains a sealed Li-ion
high voltage battery. If the Li-ion bat-
tery is disposed of improperly, there is
a risk of severe burns and electrical
shock that may result in serious injury
or death and there is also a risk of en-
vironmental damage.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the Li-ion bat-
tery:
• Do not expose the vehicle to ex- treme ambient temperatures for ex-
tended periods.
• Do not store the vehicle in tempera- tures below −13°F (−25°C) for more
than seven days.
• Do not leave the vehicle for more than 14 days where the Li-ion bat-
tery available charge gauge reaches
azeroornearzero.
• Do not use the Li-ion battery for any other purpose.
THE EV (ELECTRIC VEHICLE) SYSTEM LI-ION BATTERY
EV-2EV Overview
For the above collisions and certain other
EV system malfunctions, the READY to
Drive indicator light will turn off. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Warning lights,
indicator lights and audible reminders” in
the “Instruments and controls” 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 acci-
dent. If the emergency shut-off system ac-
tivates, the EV system may not be switched
to the READY to Drive position; it is recom-
mended that you visit 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 certified
repair facility; it is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for ser-
vice.
WARNING
• Pay special attention to pedestrians. Because there is no engine noise,
pedestrians may not know the ve-
hicle 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 system.
• Be sure to push the P (Park) position switch on the shif t lever and apply
the parking brake when parking be-
cause the vehicle can move when
the READY to Drive indicator light is
ON. When the READY to Drive indica-
tor light is ON, do not leave your ve-
hicle in a shif t position other than
the P (Park) position.
• Keep the brake pedal depressed un- til you are ready to drive. When the
vehicle 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 serious injury or death.
NOTE:
•The vehicle cannot run with a discharged
Li-ion battery. Repeated acceleration
consumes more power from the Li-ion
battery than driving at a steady speed.
•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) position, when the accel-
erator pedal is released, the regenera-
tive brake system provides some decel-
eration.
• When you put the shif t lever in the B
mode and take your foot off the accel-
erator pedal, more regenerative brake is
applied than in the D (Drive) position.
EV CHARACTERISTICS
EV OverviewEV-11
• 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
• Drive at a constant speed. Maintain cruis-ing speeds with a constant accelerator
position or by using cruise control when
appropriate.
• Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Gently press and release the accelerator pedal
for acceleration 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 heating or cooling to help reduce
power consumption.
• Use the air conditioner/heater and close windows to reduce drag when cruising at
a highway speed. • 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 pedal is re-
leased, the regenerative brake system
provides some deceleration and some
power to the Li-ion battery. The ECO Drive Report appears for approxi-
mately 30 seconds af ter placing the power
switch in the OFF position, driving the ve-
hicle for more than 0.3 miles (500 m), and
pressing the
button on the steering
wheel.
ECO DRIVE REPORT
Starting and driving5-143
WARNING
• If the READY to drive indicator light is off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering
will be harder to operate.
• When the power steering warning light illuminates while the READY to
drive indicator light is on, the power
assist for the steering will cease op-
eration. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate.
The power steering system is designed to
provide power assistance while driving to
operate the steering wheel with less effort.
When the steering wheel is operated re-
peatedly or continuously while parking or
driving at a very low speed, the power as-
sist for the steering wheel will be reduced.
This is to prevent overheating of the power
steering system and help protect it from
getting damaged. When the power assis-
tance is reduced, steering wheel operation
will become harder. When the temperature
of the power steering system goes down,
the power assistance level will return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering
wheel operations that could cause the
power steering system to overheat.
You may hear a noise when the steering
wheel is operated quickly. However, this is
not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning light
illuminates while the READY to drive indica-
tor light is on, it may indicate the power
steering system is not functioning properly
and may need servicing. Have the power
steering system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service. For additional
information, refer to “Power steering warn-
ing light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
The power assist for steering stops operat-
ing when both the power steering warning
light and READY to drive indicator light are
illuminated. You will still have control of the
vehicle. However, greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
This vehicle is equipped with two braking
systems:
1. Hydraulic brake system
2. Regenerative brake system
Hydraulic brake system
The hydraulic brake system is similar to the
brakes used on conventional vehicles.
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
Regenerative brake system
The primary purpose of the regenerative
brake system is to provide some power to
help recharge the Li-ion battery and ex-
tend driving range. A secondary benefit is
“engine braking” that operates based on
battery conditions.
In the D (Drive) range, when the accelerator
is released, the regenerative brake system
provides some deceleration and gener-
ates power for the Li-ion battery. Power is
also generated when the brake pedal is
applied.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-146Starting and driving
When you put the shif t lever in the B mode
and take your foot off the accelerator
pedal, more regenerative brake is applied
than in the D (Drive) position. However, dur-
ing high-speed driving you may feel that
regenerative brake provides less decelera-
tion than the engine braking in an ordinary
vehicle. This is normal.
Less deceleration is provided by the regen-
erative brake system when the Li-ion bat-
tery is fully charged. Regenerative brake is
automatically reduced when the Li-ion
battery is fully charged to prevent the Li-ion
battery from becoming overcharged. Re-
generative brake is also automatically re-
duced when the battery temperature is
high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones
on the battery temperature gauge) to pre-
vent 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 regenerative brake system op-
eration.NOTE:
•When applying the regenerative brakes,
you may hear a sound coming from the
regenerative brake system. This is a
normal operating characteristic of an
EV.
• If the power switch position is in a posi-
tion other than ON or READY to drive,
you can stop the vehicle by depressing
the brake pedal. However, greater foot
pressure on the brake pedal will be re-
quired to stop the vehicle, and the stop-
ping distance will be longer.
• When depressing the brake pedal, the
brake pedal feel will not be smooth or
may change when the cooperative re-
generative brake system activates.
However, the electronically controlled
brake system is operating normally and
this does not indicate a malfunction.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating of
the brakes, wearing out of the brake pads
and shoes faster, and will reduce driving
range. To help reduce brake wear, and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and select B mode before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and
could result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
• While driving on a slippery surface, be careful when braking or acceler-
ating. Abrupt braking or accelerat-
ing could cause the wheels to skid,
which could result in an accident.
• If the brake pedal is depressed with the EV system OFF, you may feel an
increased brake pedal effort and a
decreased pedal stroke. If the BRAKE
warning light does not illuminate
and the brake pedal feels like it has
returned to its normal state af ter the
EV system is started, this indicates
that there is no malfunction and the
vehicle can be operated normally.
Starting and driving5-147
• Do not allow battery fluid to comeinto contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulfuric acid solution that
can cause severe burns. If the fluid
comes into contact with anything,
immediately flush the contacted
area with water.
• Keep the 12-volt battery out of the reach of children.
• The booster battery must be rated at 12 volt. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
•
Whenever working on or near a 12-
volt battery, always wear suitable eye
protectors (for example, goggles or
industrial safety spectacles) and re-
move rings, metal bands, or any other
jewelry. Do not lean over the 12-volt
battery when jump starting.
• Do not attempt to jump start a fro- zen battery. It could explode and
cause serious injury.
• Your vehicle has an automatic cool- ing fan. It could come on at any time.
Keep hands and other objects away
from it.
WARNING
• Always follow the instructions be- low. Failure to do so could result in
damage to the DC/DC converter and
cause personal injury.
• Do not attempt to perform a jump start on the 12-volt battery at the
same time that the Li-ion battery is
being charged. Doing so may dam-
age the vehicle or charging equip-
ment and could cause an injury.
CAUTION
LEAF cannot be used as a booster vehicle
because it cannot supply enough power
to start a gasoline engine. However, a
gasoline engine vehicle can be used to
jump start LEAF's 12-volt battery.
In case of emergency6-11