NOTE:
• If the outside temperature is −13°F(−25°C) or less, the Li-ion battery may
freeze and it cannot be charged or pro-
vide power to run the vehicle. Move the
vehicle to a warm location.
• The capacity of the Li-ion battery in your vehicle to hold a charge will, like
all such batteries, decrease with time
and usage. As the battery ages and ca-
pacity decreases, this will result in a
decrease from the vehicle’s initial mile-
age range. This is normal, expected,
and not indicative of any defect in your
Li-ion battery.
• The Li-ion battery has limited service life, and when its charging capacity
falls below a specific level, the EV sys-
tem warning light will illuminate. Own-
ers should bring their vehicle in for in-
spection and possible battery
replacement.
• It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for infor-
mation about recycling or disposal of
the Li-ion battery. Do not attempt to
recycle or dispose of the Li-ion battery
yourself.
DRIVING WITH A DISCHARGED
LI-ION BATTERY
When a destination is set in the navigation
system (if so equipped) that exceeds the
available vehicle range, the navigation sys-
tem automatically searches the location of
nearby charging stations. When the nearby
charging station locations are displayed,
charge the Li-ion battery as soon as
possible.
Warning lights illuminate on the instru-
ment panel and messages are displayed
on the vehicle information display to in-
form you that the Li-ion battery charge is
low. Instructions are also displayed on the
navigation system screen (if so equipped)
to direct you to nearby charging stations.
The vehicle's range is very limited when
these warning lights illuminate and mes-
sages are displayed. Follow the instruc-
tions on the navigation system screen (if so
equipped) and immediately charge the ve-
hicle at the nearest charging station.
There are three levels of information that
will be displayed as the Li-ion battery be-
comes discharged: 1. The following warning lights illuminate
on the instrument panel and messages
are displayed on the vehicle information
display at the same time to indicate low
Li-ion battery charge:
• The low battery charge indicator
• The master warning light
LEV2062
EV OverviewEV-3
3. When the power limitation indicatorlightilluminates, traction motor
output is limited resulting in reduced ve-
hicle speed. Stop the vehicle in a safe
location before the Li-ion battery be-
comes completely discharged and
there is no power available to drive the
vehicle. Contact Roadside Assistance
Service shown in your NISSAN Warranty
Information Booklet. For additional in-
formation, see “If the Li-ion battery be-
comes completely discharged” (P. 6-12).
CHARGING THE 12-VOLT BATTERY
The 12-volt battery is charged automati-
cally using electricity stored in the Li-ion
battery.
When the 12-volt battery is being charged,
the charge status indicator light on the in-
strument panel flashes (except when
charging the Li-ion battery or the power
switch is in the READY to drive position). For
additional information, see “Charging sta-
tus indicator lights” (P. CH-49).
While vehicle is driven
The Li-ion battery charges the 12-volt bat-
tery as necessary when the power switch
is in the READY to drive position. The 12-volt battery is not charged in the
following conditions.
• When the power switch is in the ACC
position.
• When the power switch is in the ON posi- tion and the shif t position is in the N (Neu-
tral) position.
While the vehicle is not in use
When the EV system is off for an extended
time, the 12-volt battery may be automati-
cally charged for a short period of time on a
regular basis.
LI-ION BATTERY WARMER (if so
equipped)
For models with 40 kWh battery
CAUTION
The Li-ion battery warmer does not op-
erate if the available Li-ion battery
charge is less than approximately 15%
and the charger is not connected to the
vehicle. To help prevent the Li-ion bat-
tery from freezing, do not leave the ve-
hicle in an environment if temperatures
may go below -1°F (-17°C) unless the ve-
hicle is connected to a charger. The Li-ion battery warmer helps to prevent
the Li-ion battery from freezing and helps
to prevent significant reductions in the Li-
ion battery output when the temperature
is cold. The Li-ion battery warmer auto-
matically turns on when the Li-ion battery
temperature is approximately -1°F (-17°C) or
colder. The Li-ion battery warmer auto-
matically turns off when the Li-ion battery
temperature is approximately 14°F (-10°C)
or higher.
The Li-ion battery warmer uses electrical
power from an external source when a
charger is connected to the vehicle. The
Li-ion battery warmer uses electrical
power from the Li-ion battery when the
charger is not connected to the vehicle.
NOTE:
• Connect the charger to the vehicle and
place the power switch in the OFF po-
sition when parking the vehicle if tem-
peratures may go below -1°F (-17°C).
This provides external power to the Li-
ion battery warmer when it operates
and does not discharge the Li-ion
battery.
EV OverviewEV-5
1. Traction motor and reduction gear
2. Traction motor inverter
3. Power delivery module (PDM) (Charger,DC/DC converter, junction box)
4. High-voltage wire harnesses (colored orange) 5. Li-ion battery
6. Service plug
WARNING
In case of a collision:
• If your vehicle is drivable, pull your
vehicle off the road, push the P (Park)
position switch on the shif t lever, ap-
ply the parking brake and turn the EV
system off.
• Check your vehicle to see if there are
exposed high-voltage parts or
cables. For their locations, see “High
voltage components” (P. EV-8). To
avoid personal injury, never touch
high-voltage wiring, connectors, and
other high-voltage parts, such as in-
verter unit and Li-ion battery. An
electric shock may occur if exposed
electric wires are visible when viewed
from inside or outside of your ve-
hicle. Therefore, never touch ex-
posed electric wires.
• If the vehicle receives a strong im-
pact to the floor while driving, stop
the vehicle in a safe location and
check the floor.
LEV2092
ROAD ACCIDENT PRECAUTIONS
EV OverviewEV-9
• When it is cold, use the steering wheelheater 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 be-
low −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.
• 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.
• The power of the Li-ion battery can be checked on the Li-ion battery available
charge gauge. For additional information,
see “Li-ion battery available charge
gauge” (P. 2-9).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
possible voiding of your warranty result-
ing from failure to have these necessary
inspections, repairs and/or adjustments
performed.
• For a detailed explanation of the Li-ion battery inspection and intervals, see “EV
maintenance schedules (EM57 electric
motor) (P. 9-7).
EV-24EV Overview
CAUTION
• To prevent damage to the charging
equipment:
– Do not close the charge port lid
without closing the charge port
cap.
– Do not subject the charging
equipment to impact.
– Do not store and use charging
equipment in locations where the
temperature is over 185°F (85°C) •
Make sure the charge port cap is
closed on the charge port when
charging is finished. If the charge
port lid is closed when the charge
port cap is open, water or foreign
materials may enter the charge port.
• Do not charge when a vehicle body
cover is in use. This may cause dam-
age to the charge connector.
• 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. For
additional information, see “Jump
starting” (P. 6-10). •
In normal charging (AC 220 - 240 volt)
and trickle charging (AC 110 - 120 volt)
using the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Sup-
ply Equipment) provided with the ve-
hicle, NISSAN recommends using an
AC 220 - 240 volt, 50A and an AC 110-
120 volt, 15A dedicated electrical cir-
cuit and outlet. The dedicated circuit
is used to help prevent circuit dam-
age or the circuit breaker from trip-
ping due to the high draw of charging
the Li-ion battery. If the dedicated
circuit is not used, the circuit may
cause adverse interference on MCB
(Moulded Circuit Board) and house-
hold electrical appliances such as
televisions and audio systems. If the
circuit is shared, and another electri-
cal device is being used at the same
time the vehicle is charging, the
breaker may trip. A qualified electri-
cian should install a dedicated circuit
if one is not already available.
NOTE:
• When charging the Li-ion battery, place the power switch in the OFF position.
When the power switch is in the ON
position, the Li-ion battery will not
start charging.
LCH2136
ChargingCH-3
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 connected to a
dedicated AC 220 - 240 volt circuit. L1 & L2
EVSE is provided with the vehicle (if so
equipped). The charging device is a home
charging dock installed in your home by a
qualified electrician. Contact your NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer. For additional infor-
mation, see “How to normal charge”
(P. CH-9).
Trickle charge
Trickle charging is not recommended for
regular use because it takes more timethan 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, see “How to
trickle charge” (P. CH-11) or (P. CH-18).
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 hardware
and sof tware differences. NISSAN is work-
ing with states, municipalities, utility com-
panies and others to assist in the prepara-
tion of markets and infrastructure.
However, NISSAN makes no representa-
tions 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 public
charging 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 plan-
ning is therefore important, and you should
plan trips with these facts in mind.
ChargingCH-7
Quick charge uses public charging stations
(up to 50 kW of power [for 40 kWh battery
models] / 100 kW of power [for 62 kWh bat-
tery models]).
The time needed to charge the Li-ion bat-
tery from discharged (low battery charge
indicator light illuminated) to 80% charged
using the quick charger depends on many
factors including the Li-ion battery tem-
perature and the type of quick charger
used.
It may take more time to charge the Li-ion
battery using the quick charger if the ve-
hicle is parked in a cold location for a long
time.
It may take more time to charge the Li-ion
battery using the quick charger if the tem-
perature of the Li-ion battery is high or low.
The Li-ion battery temperature gauge can
be used to estimate the approximate time
needed to charge the Li-ion battery to 80%.
If charging stops mid-charge, you can re-
start charging by pressing the start button
on the quick charger station again. 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.V2X charge/discharge (if so equipped)
V2X charge/discharge capability is only
available on vehicles manufactured with
the V2X charge/discharge option, which in-
cludes the quick charge port.
A vehicle equipped with a quick charge
port is compatible with most CHAdeMO
(Japanese industry standard) connectors
on charging stations.
LHA5087
For 40 kWh battery models
LHA5184
For 62 kWh battery models*
*Subject to charging equipment capability to output 100kW
CH-8Charging
• Master warning (red)
• EV system warning light
The following messages also flash on and
off on the vehicle information display.
If the vehicle is being driven; “Stop the ve-
hicle” and if the vehicle is stopped; “When
parked apply parking brake”. When these
messages flash, immediately stop the ve-
hicle in a safe location, pull the parking
brake switch and push the P (Park) position
switch on the shif t lever to place the vehicle
in the P (Park) position. The warning on the
meter and the chime stops when the park-
ing brake is operated or the vehicle is in the
P (Park) position. Have the system checked.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for this service.
CAUTION
• The DC/DC converter system may
not be functioning properly if the 12-
volt battery charge warning light illu-
minates continuously when the
power switch is in the READY to drive
position. Immediately stop the ve-
hicle in a safe location and have the
system checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer for this service. •
The DC/DC converter system may
not be functioning properly if the 12-
volt warning light illuminates con-
tinuously when the power switch is in
the READY to drive position. Do not
charge the 12-volt battery while this
warning light is illuminated. It may
lead to a malfunction of the DC/DC
converter system. Have the system
checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
for this service.
NOTE:
• If the vehicle does not go into the READY to drive position (when the
power switch is pushed and the brake
pedal is depressed), jump-start the ve-
hicle to place the power switch in the
READY to drive position. For additional
information, see “Jump starting”
(P. 6-10).
• Do not jump-start the vehicle if the conditions below occur. Have the sys-
tem checked. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
for this service:– If the 12-volt charge warning light turns off when the vehicle is in the
READY to drive mode, the 12-volt bat-
tery may be discharged or there may be a malfunction in the 12-volt bat-
tery related system.
– If the 12-volt charge warning light continues to illuminate when the ve-
hicle is in the READY to drive mode,
there may be a malfunction in the
DC/DC converter. Have the system
checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
for this service.
orBrake warning
light
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.
2-16Instruments and controls