light NISSAN LEAF 2022 Owner´s Manual
Page 22 of 618
EV Overview
The EV (Electric Vehicle) system................EV-2
Li-ion battery ................................... EV-2
Driving with a discharged Li-ion battery .....EV-3
Charging the 12-volt battery .................EV-5
Li-ion battery warmer (if so equipped) .......EV-5
High voltage precautions .......................EV-8
High-voltage components ..................EV-8
Road accident precautions .....................EV-9
Emergency shut-off system ................EV-10
EV characteristics ............................. EV-11
Noise and vibration ........................ EV-12
Life with an EV (scene guide) ..................EV-12
Charging the Li-ion battery .................EV-12
Before driving your vehicle
(models with Navigation System) ...........EV-14
Checking Li-ion battery charging
status ...................................... EV-15
Operating the climate control system
before driving .............................. EV-16Starting your vehicle
....................... EV-17
Driving the vehicle .......................... EV-18
Charging af ter driving .....................EV-22
Efficient use of your vehicle ....................EV-23
Range ...................................... EV-23
Improve driving range ......................EV-23
Li-ion battery life .......................... EV-24
Li-ion battery maintenance ...............EV-24
EV unique information .......................EV-25
Meters and indicators .....................EV-25
Approaching Vehicle Sound for
Pedestrians (VSP) system ..................EV-27
Electric shif t control system ...............EV-28
LED headlight (low beam)
(if so equipped) ............................ EV-28
Driving range .............................. EV-28
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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
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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
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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
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• 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 62 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
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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
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•Leaks or damage to the Li-ion bat-
tery may result in a fire. If you dis-
cover them, contact emergency ser-
vices immediately. Since the fluid
leak may be lithium manganate from
the Li-ion battery, never touch the
fluid leak inside or outside the ve-
hicle. If the fluid contacts your skin or
eyes, wash it off immediately with a
large amount of water and receive
immediate medical attention to help
avoid serious injury.
• If a fire occurs in the EV, leave the
vehicle as soon as possible. Only use
a type ABC, BC or C fire extinguisher
that is meant for use on electrical
fires. Using a small amount of water
or the incorrect fire extinguisher can
result in serious injury or death from
electrical shock.
• If your vehicle needs to be towed, do
it with the front wheels raised. If the
front wheels are on the ground when
towing, the traction motor may gen-
erate electricity. This may damage
the components of the EV system
and cause a fire. •
If you are not able to safely assess
the vehicle due to vehicle damage, do
not touch the vehicle. Leave the ve-
hicle and contact emergency ser-
vices. Advise first responders that
this is an electric vehicle.
• In the event of an accident that re-
quires body repair and painting, the
Li-ion battery pack and high voltage
parts such as the inverter, including
the wire harness, should be removed
prior to painting. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer for this service. Li-ion battery
packs exposed to heat in the paint
booth will experience capacity loss.
Damaged Li-ion battery packs may
also pose safety risks to untrained
mechanics and repair personnel.
EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF SYSTEM
The emergency shut-off system is acti-
vated and the high-voltage system auto-
matically turns off in the following
conditions:
- Front and side collisions in which the air
bags are deployed.
- Certain rear collisions.
- Certain EV system malfunctions. For the above collisions and certain other
EV system malfunctions, the READY to drive
indicator light will turn off. For additional
information, see “Warning lights, indicator
lights and audible reminders” (P. 2-14).
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 re-
pair facility; it is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for
service.
EV-10EV Overview
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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
Page 38 of 618
STARTING YOUR VEHICLE1. Depress the brake pedalO1.
2. Push the power switch
O2.
3. Check that the READY to drive indicator light
O3illuminates. For additional infor-
mation, see “READY to drive indicator
light” (P. 2-24).
4. For models with Navigation System: If route guidance is necessary, enter the
destination in the navigation system.
For additional information, refer to the
NissanConnect® Manual.
LEV2066LEV2093
EV OverviewEV-17
Page 45 of 618
• 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