2023 NISSAN LEAF Owners 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 envi-
ronmental damage.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the Li-ion
battery:
• Do not expose the vehicle to extreme
ambient temperatures for extended
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 battery
available charge gauge reaches a
zero or near zero.
• Do not use the Li-ion battery for any
other purpose.
THE EV (Electric Vehicle) SYSTEM LI-ION BATTERY
EV-2EV Overview

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

• The “Battery charge is low, Chargenow” warning message is displayed
on the vehicle information display.
• Messages are displayed on the navi- gation system screen (if so equipped).
• For additional information, see “Low battery charge indicator” (P. 2-38).
• The driving range flashes
O1.
NOTE:Due to traffic conditions, it may be dif-
ficult to get to the charging station
suggested by the navigation system
(if so equipped). If the Li-ion battery is
almost completely discharged, drive
directly to the nearest charging
station.2. If the vehicle is driven and the Li-ion bat-
tery continues to discharge, the driving
range on the instrument panel changes
to “— — —”O2.
Messages are displayed on the naviga-
tion system screen (if so equipped). For
additional information, see “Li-ion bat-
tery available charge gauge” (P. 2-9).
LEV2063LEV2064
EV-4EV Overview

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

• The charging status indicator lights il-luminate in a specific pattern when the
Li-ion battery warmer operates. The
charging status indicator lights use the
same pattern to indicate 12-volt bat-
tery charging, Climate Ctrl. Timer op-
eration or Remote Climate Control op-
eration (models with Navigation
System). The charging status indicator
lights do not change if the Li-ion bat-
tery warmer operates at the same time
as the above features. For additional
information, see “Charging status indi-
cator lights” (P. CH-49).
• The Li-ion battery warmer uses Li-ion battery power to operate, even if the
vehicle is connected to a charger when:– The vehicle's power switch is in the ON position.
– There is no electrical power being supplied to the charging equipment.
• When the Li-ion battery warmer is al- ready in operation using an external
power source, it will continue to use the
external power even if the power
switch is placed in the ON position. • Vehicle driving range is reduced if the
Li-ion battery warmer operates (Li-ion
battery temperature approximately
-1°F (-17°C) or colder) while driving the
vehicle. You may need to charge the
Li-ion battery sooner than in warmer
temperatures.
• The Li-ion battery requires more time to charge when the Li-ion battery
warmer operates.
• The predicted charging time displayed on the meter and navigation system (if
so equipped) increases when the Li-ion
battery warmer operates.
• Climate control performance is re- duced when using the Climate Ctrl.
Timer or Remote Climate Control
(models with Navigation System) while
the Li-ion battery warmer operates.
• The Li-ion battery may not charge to the expected level using the charging
timer while the Li-ion battery warmer
operates. For models with 60 kWh battery
CAUTION
The Li-ion battery warmer does not op-
erate if the normal charger is not con-
nected to the vehicle. To help prevent
the Li-ion battery from freezing, do not
leave the vehicle in an environment if
temperatures may go below -4°F
(-20°C) unless the vehicle is connected
to a charger.
The Li-ion battery warmer helps to prevent
the Li-ion battery from freezing when the
temperature is cold. The Li-ion battery
warmer automatically turns on when the
Li-ion battery temperature is approxi-
mately -4°F (-20°C) or colder and outside
temperature is approximately -11°F (-24°C)
or colder. The Li-ion battery warmer auto-
matically turns off when the Li-ion battery
temperature is approximately 0°F (-18°C) or
higher, or outside temperature is approxi-
mately -8°F (-22°C) or higher.
The Li-ion battery warmer operates when
the normal charger is connected to the
vehicle, and it automatically uses electrical
power from either the external source or
from the Li-ion battery.
EV-6EV Overview

NOTE:
• Connect the charger to the vehicle andplace the power switch in the OFF po-
sition when parking the vehicle if tem-
peratures may go below -4°F (-20°C).
The Li-ion battery warmer automati-
cally uses electrical power from either
the external source or from the Li-ion
battery, based on the amount of re-
maining Li-ion battery.
• The charging status indicator lights il- luminate in a specific pattern when the
Li-ion battery warmer operates. The
charging status indicator lights use the
same pattern to indicate 12–volt bat-
tery charging, Climate Ctrl. Timer op-
eration or Remote Climate Control op-
eration (models with Navigation
System). The charging status indicator
lights do not change if the Li-ion bat-
tery warmer operates at the same time
as the above features. For additional
information, see “Charging status indi-
cator lights” (P. CH-49). • The automatic climate control auto-
matically turns on when the Li-ion bat-
tery warmer uses electrical power
from the Li-ion battery. This is not a
malfunction. When the Li-ion battery
warmer operates, the temperature in-
side the vehicle may be warmed up.
• The Li-ion battery will be automatically charged when the Li-ion battery
warmer uses electrical power from an
extended source. When outside tem-
perature goes below -4°F (-20°C) for
many days, frequent Li-ion battery
warmer operation may occur, and
more electric power will be charged
from an external source. Do not con-
nect the normal charger to the vehicle
if you do not want to turn on the Li-ion
battery warmer. In this case, do not
leave the vehicle in an environment if
temperatures may go below -4°F
(-20°C).
• When the Li-ion battery warmer is al- ready in operation using an external
source, it will continue to use the exter-
nal power even if the power switch is
placed in the ON position. • The Li-ion battery warmer will stop if
the power switch is placed in the ON
position while the Li-ion battery
warmer is using electrical power from
the Li-ion battery. To turn on the Li-ion
battery warmer again, place the power
switch in the OFF position.
• The Li-ion battery warmer will stop if the charging connector is removed
from the normal charger while the Li-
ion battery warmer is operating. To
turn on the Li-ion battery warmer
again, connect the charging connector
to the vehicle. The Li-ion battery
warmer will operate again af ter about
1 hour.
• The Li-ion battery warmer will stop if the charging connector of the quick
charger is connected to the vehicle
while the Li-ion battery warmer is op-
erating. To turn on the Li-ion battery
warmer again, remove the charging
connector of the quick charger from
the vehicle.
• The Li-ion battery requires more time to charge to the expected level when
the Li-ion battery warmer operates.
EV OverviewEV-7

• The predicted charging time displayedon the meter increases when the Li-ion
battery warmer uses electrical power
from the Li-ion battery.
• The Climate Ctrl. Timer or Remote Cli- mate Control (models with Navigation
System) does not turn on while the Li-
ion battery warmer operates. This is
not a malfunction.
• The charging timer or remote charge (models with Navigation System) does
not turn on while the Li-ion battery
warmer operates. This is not a
malfunction.
• The Li-ion battery may not be charged to the expected level using the charg-
ing timer while the Li-ion battery
warmer operates.
• If the Li-ion battery warmer automati- cally stops because of the Li-ion bat-
tery temperature or outside tempera-
ture change, charging will continue
until the Li-ion battery is fully charged.HIGH-VOLTAGE COMPONENTS
WARNING
• The EV system uses high voltage up
to approximately DC 400 volt. The
system can be hot during and af ter
starting and when the vehicle is shut
off. Be careful of both the high volt-
age and the high temperature. Fol-
low the warning labels that are at-
tached to the vehicle.
• Never disassemble, remove or re-
place high-voltage parts and cables
as well as their connectors because
they can cause severe burns or elec-
tric shock that may result in serious
injury or death. High-voltage cables
are colored orange. The vehicle high
voltage system has no user service-
able parts. It is recommended that
you take your vehicle to a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for any neces-
sary maintenance.
HIGH VOLTAGE PRECAUTIONS
EV-8EV Overview

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