battery NISSAN LEAF 2013 1.G Owner's Manual

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

failure to have these necessary inspections, re-
pairs and/or adjustments performed.
See the NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide for a detailed explanation of the Li-ion
battery inspection and intervals.METERS AND INDICATORS
The vehicle has two displays to provide informa-
tion regarding vehicle operation:
Upper display
Lower display
Upper display
Master warning lights:
The master warning lights are located in the
upper display.
The master warning lights illuminate when any
warning lights or indicators illuminate in the lower
display or when messages are displayed on the
dot matrix liquid crystal display.
For additional information, see Master warning
light in the Instruments and controls section.
EV UNIQUE INFORMATION
EV OverviewEV-25

ECO indicator:
This indicator provides instant information about
how efficiently the vehicle is being operated. You
can see how changing your driving style or op-
eration of vehicle accessories affects power con-
sumption.
For additional information, seeECO indicatorin
the Instruments and controls section.Lower display
Li-ion battery temperature gauge:
This gauge displays the temperature of the Li-ion
battery.
For additional information, see Li-ion battery
temperature gauge in theInstruments and con-
trols section. Power meter:
This meter displays the actual traction motor
power consumption and the regenerative brake
power provided to the Li-ion battery.
For additional information, see
Power meterin
the Instruments and controls section.
EV-26EV Overview

Driving range:
This indicator displays the estimated driving
range (calculated based on a program that ac-
counts for current driving style and operational
conditions) that can be driven before recharging
is necessary.
For additional information, seeDriving rangein
the Instruments and controls section.Li-ion battery available charge gauge:
This gauge displays the available Li-ion battery
power remaining to drive the vehicle.
For additional information, see
Li-ion battery
available charge gauge in theInstruments and
controls section. Li-ion battery capacity level gauge:
This gauge displays the available capacity of the
Li-ion battery remaining to store power.
For additional information, see
Li-ion battery ca-
pacity level gauge in theInstruments and con-
trols.
EV OverviewEV-27

Warning and indicator lights
The EV (Electric Vehicle) system uses the follow-
ing EV (Electric Vehicle) specific warning and
indicator lights.
1. Master warning light (red)
2. Master warning light (yellow)3. 12-volt battery charge warning light
4. Plug in indicator light
5. READY to drive indicator light
6. Power limitation indicator light
7. EV system warning light
8. Electric shift control system warning light
9. Brake system warning light (yellow)
10. Low battery charge warning light
11. Headlight warning light
12. Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
(VSP) system warning light
For additional information, see Warning/
indicator lights and audible reminders in the
Instruments and controls section.
APPROACHING VEHICLE SOUND
FOR PEDESTRIANS (VSP) SYSTEM
The Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
(VSP) system is a function that uses sound to
alert pedestrians of the presence of the vehicle
when it is being driven at a low speed.
When the vehicle starts to move, it produces a
sound.
The sound stops when the vehicle speed is more
than 19 MPH (30 km/h) while accelerating.
The sound starts when the vehicle speed is less
than 16 MPH (25 km/h) while decelerating.
EV-28EV 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

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. Make sure there is no water or foreign
materials in the charge port, charge
connector or electrical plug, and that
they are not damaged or affected by
rust or corrosion. If any of these con-
ditions are noticeable, do not charge
the Li-ion battery. This may result in a
short circuit or electric shock and
could cause a fire which may result in
serious personal injury or death.
To avoid serious personal injury or death when the Li-ion battery is charg-
ing, be aware of the following precau-
tions.
– Do not touch the metal contacts ofthe charge port, charge connector
or electrical plug.
– Do not touch the vehicle and char- ger when there is lightning. A light-
ning strike may back feed into the
charger causing damage and pos-
sible personal injury or death.
Make sure the charge connector is re- moved from the charge port before
starting your vehicle. If the charge con-
nector is only partially engaged and
the connector latch is unlocked, it is
possible to place the EV (Electric Ve-
hicle) in the READY to drive position. Do not plug in or unplug the plug with
wet hands and do not stand in water,
liquid or snow. This may cause an elec-
tric shock which may result in serious
personal injury or death.
Do not disassemble or modify the charge port or the EVSE (Electric Ve-
hicle Supply Equipment) . This may
cause a fire.
If you notice an unusual odor or smoke coming from the vehicle, stop charging
immediately.
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or get caught in, the trac-
tion motor cooling fan. The cooling fan
can start at any time during charging.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHARGING
CH-2Charging