2023 NISSAN LEAF engine

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

WARNING
• Pay special attention to pedestrians.
Because there is no engine noise, pe-
destrians may not know the vehicle
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 indicator
light is ON, do not leave your vehicle
in a shif t position other than the P
(Park) position.
• Keep the brake pedal depressed until
you are ready to drive. When the ve-
hicle 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 dis- charged Li-ion battery. Repeated ac-
celeration 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 ac- celerator pedal is released, the regen-
erative brake system provides some
deceleration.
• 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. • 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.
EV CHARACTERISTICS
EV OverviewEV-11

• 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.
• 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

• 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.WARNING
• Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
• Never leave the vehicle in the READY
to drive mode while the vehicle is
unattended.
• Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied
and the vehicle placed in the park po-
sition. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or
roll away and result in an accident.
• Do not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches or controls or
make the vehicle move. Unattended
children could become involved in
serious accidents.
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving5-159

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, see “Power steering warning
light” (P. 2-23).
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
Starting and driving5-161

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
operation.NOTE:
• When applying the regenerativebrakes, you may hear a sound coming
from the regenerative brake system.
This is a normal operating characteris-
tic of an EV.
• If the power switch position is in a po- sition 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
stopping 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 accelerat-
ing. Abrupt braking or accelerating
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.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, the braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
5-162Starting and driving

CAUTION
LEAF cannot be used as a booster ve-
hicle because it cannot supply enough
power to start a gasoline engine. How-
ever, a gasoline engine vehicle can be
used to jump start LEAF's 12-volt
battery.
1. If the booster battery is in another ve-hicle
OB, position the two vehicles (OA)
and
OB) to bring their 12-volt batteries
into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. If the 12-volt battery is discharged, the
power switch cannot be moved from
the OFF position. Connect the jumper
cables to the booster vehicle
OBbe-
fore pushing the power switch.
3. Push the P (Park) position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position. 4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical sys-
tems (headlights, heater, air conditioner,
etc.).
5. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
6. Ensure vent caps are level and tight.
7. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
O1→O2→O3→O4).
LCE2388
In case of emergency6-11

CAUTION
• Always connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (−) to body
ground (for example, as illustrated),
not to the 12-volt battery.
• Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the motor
compartment and that the cable
clamps do not contact any other
metal.
8. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
OB.
9. While the booster vehicle
OBengine is
running, place the EV system in the
READY to drive position.
CAUTION
If the system does not start right away,
push the power switch to the OFF posi-
tion and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
10. Af ter starting your EV system, carefully disconnect the negative cable and
then the positive cable (
O4→O3→O2
→O1) and keep in the READY to drive
position over 20 minutes to charge the
12-volt battery. 11. If necessary, connect the vehicle to a
charging station or EVSE (Electric Ve-
hicle Supply Equipment) to charge the
Li-ion battery. Be sure to read the
“Charging” section and follow the proce-
dures and guidelines described. The ve-
hicle cannot be driven until the Li-ion
battery is charged.
12. Af ter jump starting your vehicle it is rec- ommended you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer to have the 12V battery
tested.
NOTE:
If it is not possible to turn the system ON
by following this procedure, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer immediately. If the power limitation indicator light
illuminates, the traction motor output is
limited resulting in reduced vehicle speed.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location before
the Li-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged and no power is available to drive
the vehicle. Contact Roadside assistance;
refer to a NISSAN Warranty Information
Booklet.
If possible, place the power switch in the
OFF position while waiting for assistance to
prevent discharging the 12-volt battery.
NOTE:
If the Li-ion battery becomes completely
discharged:
• The vehicle is automatically placed in
the ON position and it will not be pos-
sible to switch to the READY to drive
position.
• The vehicle is automatically switched to the N (Neutral) position and it will not
be possible to drive the vehicle.
IF THE LI-ION BATTERY BECOMES
COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
6-12In case of emergency