charging system NISSAN LEAF 2013 1.G User Guide

STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Press the power switch.
3. Check that the READY to drive indicator lightilluminates and the start up sound is audible.
See Ready to drive indicator light in the
Instruments and controls section.
4. For models with navigation system: If route guidance is necessary, enter the destination
in the navigation system. See LEAF Naviga-
tion System Owner’s Manual. 5. Check the Li-ion battery level and the esti-
mated driving range shown on the meter. See
Driving range in theInstruments and con-
trols section.
NOTE:
Before driving, compare the driving dis-
tance to the destination displayed on the
navigation screen with the estimated driv-
ing range shown on the meter. Determine
if it will be necessary to charge the Li-ion
battery before or while driving to your
planned destination (models with naviga-
tion system) .
If it is necessary to charge the Li-ion bat-
tery, use the navigation system to search
for available charging stations on your
planned driving route (models with navi-
gation system) .
EV OverviewEV-17

AT HOME AFTER DRIVING
Charging the Li-ion battery
When you return home, connect the vehicle to
the charging station installed at your home using
the normal charge connector.
Charge the vehicle or set the charging timer
function to have the vehicle charge at a specific
time. SeeCharging timer in theCharge sec-
tion.
1. When the power switch is turned off, the settings of the charging timer, and the Climate
Ctrl. Timer and the charge connector lock functions are displayed on the dot matrix liq-
uid crystal display. See
Dot matrix liquid crys-
tal display in theInstruments and controls
section.
2. Open the charge port lid and charge port cap. See Charge port lid in thePre-driving
checks and adjustments section.
3. Connect the charge connector to the vehicle.
4. When a charging timer is turned on, charging starts at the set time. When a charging timer
is not turned on, charging starts immediately.
NOTE:
Charging can be started remotely, even if
charging timer is set up.
When you have forgotten to connect the
charge connector at home, there is a func-
tion that can notify you via text message
capable cellular phone, internet enabled
smart phone or personal computer. See
Charging related remote function in the
Charge section (models with navigation
system) .
NISSAN recommends that you connect
the normal charge cable when getting out
of the vehicle, even if it is not going to be
used. By doing this, you can get the most
out of the remote climate control (models
with navigation system) and Climate Ctrl.
Timer functions the next time you use the
vehicle.
EV-22EV Overview

RANGE
The distance you can drive the vehicle (range)
varies considerably depending upon available
charge, weather, temperature, usage, battery
age, topography, and driving style.
Vehicle range depends on a number of factors.
When the Li-ion battery is new, the estimated
vehicle range with a fully charged Li-ion battery is
approximately 100 miles (160 km) based on the
EPA laboratory test commonly called the LA4
mode drive cycle. This test represents city driving
conditions. Your actual range can vary, either
initially or as the battery ages and with use over
time. The majority of drivers will experience ve-
hicle ranges between 62 to 138 miles (99 to 222
km) based on the many factors that affect vehicle
range. SeeImprove driving range later in this
section for information of the factors that affect
vehicle range and how to use the vehicle to
maximize vehicle range.
IMPROVE DRIVING RANGE
Vehicle range depends on a number of factors.
Actual vehicle range will vary depending upon:
speed,
vehicle load, electrical load from vehicle accessories,
traffic and road conditions.
NISSAN recommends the following driving
habits to help maximize vehicle range:
Before driving:
Follow recommended periodic maintenance.
Keep tires inflated to correct pressure.
Keep wheels in correct alignment.
Pre-heat or pre-cool the interior cabin while the
vehicle is charging.
Remove unnecessary cargo from the vehicle.
While driving:
Drive in ECO mode – In the ECO position more regenerativebrake is applied when the accelerator pedal
is released in comparison to the D (Drive)
position and more power is provided to the
Li-ion battery (models with navigation sys-
tem) .
– The ECO position helps reduce power con- sumption by reducing acceleration when
compared to the same accelerator pedal
position in the D (Drive) position.
– The ECO position reduces the power pro- vided to the heater and air conditioner sys-
tem. Drive at a constant speed. Maintain cruising
speeds with a constant accelerator positions or
by using cruise control when appropriate.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Gently press and release the accelerator pedal for accelera-
tion 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 heat- ing or cooling to help reduce power consump-
tion.
Use the air conditioner/heater and close win- dows to reduce drag when cruising at highway
speed.
Vehicle range may be substantially reduced in extremely cold conditions (for example -4°F
(-20°C)) .
Using the climate control system to heat the cabin when outside temperature is below 32°F
(0°C) uses more electricity and affects vehicle
range more than when using the heater when
the temperature is above 32°F (0°C) .
EFFICIENT USE OF YOUR VEHICLE
EV OverviewEV-23

Release the accelerator pedal to slow downand do not apply the brakes when traffic and
road conditions allow. – This vehicle is equipped with a regenerative brake system. The primary purpose of re-
generative 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 accelerator is released,
the regenerative brake system provides
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 vehicle range when the vehicle
was new. This is normal and expected, and does
not indicate 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 vehicle, store the
vehicle, how you charge the Li-ion battery and
Li-ion battery temperature during vehicle opera-
tion and charging. To maximize vehicle range, NISSAN recom-
mends using the default setting, long distance
mode (100% charge) . To maximize the battery’s
useful life, use the following driving and charging
habits where possible:
Avoid exposing a vehicle to extreme ambient
temperatures for extended periods.
Avoid storing a vehicle in temperatures below 13°F (25°C) for over 7 days.
Avoid leaving your vehicle for over 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 after use before charging.
Park/store your vehicle in cool locations out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Avoid sustained high battery temperatures (caused, for example, by exposure to very high
ambient temperatures or extending highway
driving with multiple quick charges) .
Use the normal charging or trickle charging methods to charge the Li-ion battery and mini-
mize the use of public Fast Charge or Quick
Charger.
Avoid sustained high battery state of charge (caused, for example, by frequently charging to
100% state of charge and/or leaving the battery above 80% state of charge for long periods of
time) .
Allow the battery charge to be below at least 80% before charging.
Moderate driving.
Use of ECO mode.
If the vehicle will not be used for an extended period of time, charge the Li-ion battery using
the long life mode once every 3 months. Do not
operate the charging timer repeatedly while the
charge connector is connected to the vehicle
after 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. See Li-ion battery available charge
gauge in theInstruments and controls for
details.
LI-ION BATTERY MAINTENANCE
In addition to the regular maintenance recom-
mended by NISSAN, the LEAF requires some
special Li-ion battery inspections.
See the NISSAN Warranty Information Booklet for significant limitations, exclusions and pos-
sible voiding of your warranty resulting from
EV-24EV Overview

SOLAR CELL MODULE (IF SO
EQUIPPED)
This vehicle uses a solar cell module to provide
power to the 12-volt battery. The solar cell mod-
ule only provides power to help maintain the
charge of the 12-volt battery; it will not recharge
a discharged 12-volt battery.
The solar cell module does not provide power to
the Li-ion battery.
For maintenance, seeCleaning exteriorin the
Appearance and care section.
NOTE:
The solar cell may not provide full charging
power in the following situations.
When the intensity of sunlight is weak.
When the solar cell module is in the
shade.
When the solar cell module is covered by
leaves or dirt.DRIVING RANGE BUTTON (IF SO
EQUIPPED)
Push the driving range button on the steering
wheel to check the estimated distance the ve-
hicle may be driven with the available Li-ion bat-
tery charge. See LEAF Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual.
Solar cell module on the rear spoiler
EV-30EV Overview

Charging
Precautions on charging................. .CH-2
Types of charge and how to charge the Li-ion
battery ........................... .CH-5
How to normal charge ................ .CH-9
How to trickle charge (if so equipped) .......CH-11
How to quick charge (if so equipped) .......CH-15
Charge connector lock switch ...........CH-18
If the charge connector can not be unlocked . . .CH-20
Charging methods ................... .CH-21
Charging timer ................... .CH-21Long life mode
................... .CH-26
Immediate charge .................. .CH-31
Charging related remote function (models with
navigation system) ................. .CH-31
Charging related indicator lights ............CH-33
Charging status indicator lights ...........CH-33
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
control box indicator light ..............CH-36
Charging troubleshooting guide ............CH-38

Pass the lower side belt of the EVSE
(Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
case securely through the fastener on
the bottom of the luggage board. If the
case suddenly becomes loose, it may
cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the charging
equipment:
– Do not close the charge port lid
without closing the cap.
– Do not subject the charging equip- ment to impact.
– Do not pull or twist the charge cable.
– Do not drag the charge cable. – Do not store and use charging
equipment in locations where the
temperature is over 185°F (85°C) .
– Do not place the charging equip- ment close to a heater or other heat
source.
Make sure the cap is closed on the charge port when charging is finished.
If the charge port lid is closed when
the cap is open, water or foreign mate-
rials 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 damage the
vehicle or charging equipment and
could cause an injury. See Jump start-
ing in the In case of emergencysec-
tion. Trickle charging is performed using
the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment) provided with the vehicle.
NISSAN recommends using an AC 110
- 120 volt, 15A, dedicated electrical
circuit and outlet. The dedicated cir-
cuit is used to help prevent circuit
damage or the circuit breaker from
tripping due to the high draw of charg-
ing 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 electrical
device is being used at the same time
the vehicle is charging, the breaker
may trip. A licensed professional elec-
trician should install a dedicated cir-
cuit if one is not already available.
ChargingCH-3

NOTE:
When charging the Li-ion battery, place
the power switch in the OFF position.
When the power switch is in the ON posi-
tion, the Li-ion battery will not start charg-
ing.
If the charger is connected to the vehicle
when it is in the READY to drive position,
the power switch automatically changes
to the ON position. Place the power
switch in the OFF position to begin charg-
ing.
For your safety, if the charger is con-
nected to the vehicle while the power
switch is in the READY to drive position,
the vehicle will automatically switch to
the ON position. Because charging will
not be started while the power switch is in
this position, be sure to place the power
switch in the OFF position.
When the ambient temperature is 32°F
(0°C) or less, charging time may be longer
than normal and the level to which the
Li-ion battery can be charged may be less
than at higher temperatures.
If the vehicle will not be used for an ex-
tended period of time, charge the Li-ion
battery using the long life mode once ev-
ery 3 months. Do not operate the charging
timer repeatedly while the charge connec-
tor is connected to the vehicle after the
Li-ion battery charging is completed. Do-
ing so may discharge the 12-volt battery.
For details of the long life mode charging
method, see Charging timer. If the Li-ion
battery becomes discharged, charge it
immediately.
The power switch can be set to ON posi-
tion and the climate control and naviga-
tion system (models with navigation sys-
tem) can be used while the Li-ion battery
is charging. However, because these op-
erations consume Li-ion battery power, it
will take longer for the Li-ion battery to
become fully charged. Place the power
switch in the OFF position to help reduce
Li-ion battery charge time.
If electrical power is interrupted while
charging, charging restarts automatically
when the electrical power is restored.
It is recommended to keep the charge
cable connected to save Li-ion battery
power, when the heater and air condi-
tioner are operating with remote opera-
tion (models with navigation system) .
If the charge port is frozen, melt the ice
using a hair dryer. After the ice has
melted, charge the Li-ion battery. Forcing
the charge connector to connect may
cause a malfunction.
If foreign materials have entered the
charge connector and charge port and it is
not possible to connect it, do not attempt
to force the connection. Contact a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. Forcing the
charge connector to connect may cause
damage to the charging equipment and
vehicle.
There is a hole on the charge port for
water drainage. If the water drainage hole
becomes blocked, or if water gets trapped
inside the charge port, do not charge.
Contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
CH-4Charging

working with state, municipalities utility compa-
nies and others to assist in the preparation of
markets and infrastructure, but makes no repre-
sentations 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 planning is therefore
important, and you should plan trips with these
facts in mind.
Quick charge uses public charging stations (up
to 50 kW of power) .
The time needed to charge the Li-ion battery from
discharged (low battery charge warning light illu-
minated) to 80% charged using the a quick char-
ger depends on many factors including the Li-ion
battery temperature and the type of quick charger
used.
It may take more time to charge the Li-ion battery
using the quick charger if the vehicle is parked in
a cold location (for example below 32°F (0°C))
for a long time.The Li-ion battery temperature gauge can be
used to estimate the approximate time needed to
charge the Li-ion battery to 80%.
Li-ion battery tempera-
ture gauge Estimated charge
time
A3 or fewer seg-
ments illuminated More than approxi-
mately 90 minutes
B4-5 segments illu-
minatedApproximately 30-90
minutes
C6-7 segments illu-
minatedApproximately 30
minutes
D8-9 segments illu-
minatedApproximately 30-60
minutes
Li-ion battery tempera-
ture gauge Estimated charge
time
A3 or fewer seg-
ments illuminated More than approxi-
mately 90 minutes
E10 or more seg-
ments illuminatedMore than approxi-
mately 60 minutes
NOTE:
Charging time is typically limited to 60 min-
utes when using a quick charger. Press the
start switch on the quick charger after it
stops if additional charge time is necessary
to reach an 80% charge.
See
How to quick charge.
Power Limitation Mode
This mode protects the health and operation of
the vehicle’s Li-ion battery. This mode operates in
certain extreme conditions (heat, cold, low state
of charge) . Power available to vehicle systems,
including its traction motor, is limited resulting in
limited performance, acceleration and top speed.
Charging may be automatically terminated, espe-
cially with repeated quick charging in extreme hot
weather.
CH-8Charging

Checking Li-ion battery charge
The three methods for checking amount of
charge are as follows.
Check by using the Li-ion battery availablecharge gauge on the meter when the power
switch is placed in the ON position. See Li-ion
battery remaining energy gauge in theInstru-
ments and controls section and16. Li-ion
battery low charge warning in theInstruments
and controls section.
Check by using a cellular phone, smart phone or personal computer. See LEAF Navigation Sys-
tem Owner’s Manual (models with navigation
system) .
Check by using the charging status indicator light. See Charge status indicator light.
NOTE:
During the charge operation, charge con-
tinues when the power switch is placed in
the ON position.
The Li-ion battery cannot be charged if the
quick charge connector and the normal
charge connector are connected at the
same time. If another charge connector is
connected mid-charge, charging will stop.
For safety reasons, it is not possible to
switch to the READY to drive position
while a charge connector is connected.
During charging, it is possible that the
radio may be inaudible due to noise by the
electromagnetic wave.
HOW TO NORMAL CHARGE
WARNING
If you use any medical electric devices, such as an implantable cardiac pace-
maker or an implantable cardiovascu-
lar defibrillator, check with the electric
medical device manufacturer concern-
ing the effects that charging may have
on implanted devices before starting
the charge operation. Charging may
affect the operation.
If you have an implantable cardiac pacemaker or an implantable cardio-
vascular defibrillator, while the Li-ion
battery is charging:
– Do not stay inside the vehicle.
– Do not go inside the vehicle, forexample to remove or place an item
in the passenger compartment. – Do not open the rear hatch, for ex-
ample to remove or place an item in
the cargo area.
Charging may affect the operation of
electric medical device and result in
serious personal injury or death.
Be sure to follow the precautions for using the charger that can be installed
in your home. Failing to do so could
result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION
Do not use any charging equipment that is not compatible with the LEAF.
Doing so could prevent the Li-ion bat-
tery from charging properly or could
result in damage to the vehicle or Li-
ion battery.
Normal charge uses the charging device (AC 220 - 240 volt, 20A) that can be installed in your
home to charge the Li-ion battery.
Immediate charge, charging timer and remote charge (models with navigation system) can be
performed in the normal charge mode. See
Charging timer andCharging related remote
function.
ChargingCH-9