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
Replacing the halogen headlight
bulb (if so equipped)
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type
that uses a headlight (halogen) bulb. If bulb
replacement is required, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
CAUTION
• Do not leave the bulb out of the headlight reflector for a long period
of time. Dust, moisture, smoke, etc.
entering the headlight body may af-
fect bulb performance
• High-pressure halogen gas is sealed inside the halogen bulb. The bulb
may break if the glass envelope is
scratched or the bulb is dropped.
• Only touch the base when handling the bulb. Never touch the glass en-
velope. Touching the glass envelope
could significantly affect bulb life
and/or headlight performance. • Aiming is not necessary af ter re-
placing the bulb. When aiming ad-
justment is necessary, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for this service.
• Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the exterior lights in the rain
or in a car wash. A temperature dif-
ference between the inside and the
outside of the lens causes the fog. If
large drops of water collect inside
the lens, it is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
Use the same number and wattage as
originally installed as shown in the chart.
FOG LIGHTS (IF SO EQUIPPED)
For additional information on fog light bulb
replacement, refer to the instruction out-
lined in this section
Replacing the fog light bulb
If fog light bulb replacement is required, it is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer for this service.
8-26Maintenance and do-it yourself
