Technology Nissan Leaf: Important Information & Helpful Tips

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1 September 2021

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The second-generation Nissan LEAF has unique capabilities and creates an exciting driving experience. It also has individual requirements you need to be aware of and adhere to for normal operation, as these differ from other vehicles you may have owned or driven in the past. 

Your Nissan LEAF Battery

The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fitted in your Nissan LEAF, like all Li-ion batteries, will experience gradual capacity loss with time and use and the range the vehicle can travel on a full charge will correspondingly decrease over time. This battery capacity loss over time is normal and to be expected. This gradual loss of battery capacity is not covered under your vehicles warranty, however your Nissan LEAF is protected from excessive battery degradation as part of the State of Health guarantee as explained below.

Tips to Maximise Li-Ion Battery Life

The Li-ion battery's ability to hold a charge can be affected by how you drive the vehicle, store the vehicle and charge the Li-ion battery, as well as the temperature of the Li-ion battery during vehicle operation and charging.

To maximise the battery's useful life, where possible:

• Avoid exposing a vehicle to extreme ambient temperatures for extended periods.
• Avoid storing a vehicle in temperatures below −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 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 home and normal charging methods to charge the Li-ion battery and minimise the use of public Fast Charge or Quick Chargers.
• Drive moderately and use the ECO mode.

Built-in Battery Safeguarding

While the second-generation Nissan LEAF is designed to support the majority of journeys in daily life, it’s equipped with safeguards to protect the battery in times of high temperature; such as during repeated rapid charging sessions in a short period of time, repeated heavy acceleration, prolonged driving at high speeds/climbing hills, and high ambient temperatures. For example, your vehicle may moderate the charging rate when connected to a rapid charger, or the power output/accelerator response may be moderated if the battery temperature activates the battery safeguarding technology.

Your actual driving range will vary depending upon speed, vehicle load, electrical load from vehicle accessories, traffic and road conditions.

These important driving habits can help you maximise your vehicles range.

Before Driving

• Follow recommended periodic maintenance.
• Keep tyres inflated to the 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 – The ECO mode helps reduce power consumption by reducing acceleration when compared to the same accelerator pedal position in the D (Drive) position (normal mode).
• Maximise the use of the ‘ePedal^##’ &/or ‘B-mode’ when driving as this will maximise the amount of regenerative braking.
• Drive at a constant speed. Maintain cruising speeds with constant accelerator pedal positions or use the cruise control system when appropriate.
• Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Gently depress and release the accelerator pedal for acceleration and deceleration.
• Drive at moderate speeds on the motorway or consider altering your route (as appropriate) to reduce the amount of driving at motorway speeds.
• Avoid frequent stopping and braking. Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles.
• Turn off the air conditioner/heater system when it is not necessary.
• Select a moderate temperature setting for heating or cooling to help reduce power consumption. Use only the fan to help reduce power consumption. In cold weather, use the heated seats and heated steering wheel as a substitute for air conditioner to help reduce power consumption.
• Use the air conditioner/heater system and close windows to reduce drag when cruising at motorway 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 regenerative brake system. The primary purpose 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) or B position, when the accelerator pedal is released, the regenerative brake system provides some deceleration and some power to the Li-ion battery. Alternatively, drive the vehicle with the ‘ePedal’ feature activated which will assist in maximising this benefit.

While it’s not a requirement to charge your second-generation Nissan LEAF on a daily basis, it’s important you plan your charging patterns to ensure the battery contains sufficient charge to support your intended driving needs and requirements.

Home Charging

Nissan recommend charging your second-generation Nissan LEAF using a Nissan-approved, dedicated, domestic charging station. Using a dedicated charging station ensures your second-generation Nissan LEAF can be charged quickly, safely and easily at any time.  Using a Nissan-recommended charging station, your vehicle will typically charge from warning light to full in approximately^# 7.5 hours for LEAF & 11 hours for LEAF e+. Installation and supply of your charging station can be completed by Nissan’s approved charging partner – JET Charge Pty Ltd. For your convenience, Nissan has negotiated a national price for approved charging station(s) including standard installation which can be arranged by your local Nissan EV dealer.

Public Charging

Public and private charging infrastructure is developing rapidly and becoming more readily available.  Nissan cannot guarantee that public-charging stations will be available in all locations where you operate your second-generation Nissan LEAF, nor can Nissan predict the period of time it may take for public infrastructure to be properly and effectively installed in the region or city where you live.

In some instances, in order to access a public charging station, you may require an account with the charging station operator (eg. Chargefox).  Typically this process can be completed online and access to charging stations can be facilitated via a RFID card or your mobile device. It’s recommended that you sign up to a public-charging provider before you intend to use public-charging infrastructure in ensure the process is as seamless as possible.   

If you attempt to charge from a non-compatible charging station, you may not receive a complete charge, or may not be able to charge at all due to hardware and software differences.

AC ‘Normal’ Charging:

• Public charging stations can have different types of outlets – only compatible charging stations should be used. 
  
• The dedicated mode 3 EVSE cable supplied as standard with your vehicle can be used where charging stations do not have tethered cables.
  
• In some instances, charging stations may emit an audible hum or buzzing noise – this is normal and should not be a cause for concern.
• If the supplied mode 3 EVSE cable will not fit the charging station or if the station does not have a type 2 plug tethered – it should be considered incompatible to charge your second-generation Nissan LEAF. Do not use adapters as they may damage the vehicle and/or charging ports.

DC Fast Charging:

• DC fast chargers will typically charge your vehicle from 20% to 80% in approx. 60 minutes for LEAF / 90 minutes for LEAF e+ based on using a 50kW fast charger. The LEAF e+ will take approximately 45 minutes when using a 100kW fast charger.
  
• Quick chargers will only typically charge your battery up to 80% at a fast charge rate.  Rate of charge decreases as the percentage of battery charge increases.
• Quick charging stations connect to your vehicle using the quick charging (CHAdeMO) port. 
  
• Quick charging stations come with tethered cables, therefore you are not responsible for providing your own cable.
• There are 2 standard plug types for DC fast charging; CHAdeMO and CCS.  The second-generation Nissan LEAF is only compatible with CHAdeMO and cannot be used with a CCS connection.
• Your second-generation Nissan LEAF will charge at a maximum rate of 50kW for LEAF / 100kW for LEAF e+. Many fast chargers are capable of outputting a higher rate of charge.  You can still connect to these chargers as your vehicle will control the rate of charge received and will remain capped a maximum rate of your vehicle.
• It may take more time to charge your battery using a quick charger if the temperature of your battery is too high or too low.  Your vehicle will manage the rate of charge based on battery temperature.
  Successive regular quick charging is not recommended – as per above, your vehicle may moderate the charging rate based on battery temperature.
  
• Consider how much charge is required when using the fast charger to reach your destination. For example, you may find that a 20 minute fast charge is all that’s required to get home & then a full charge can be obtained via your usual home charging facility.

Portable Charging

In addition to the dedicated mode 3 EVSE cable supplied with your second-generation Nissan LEAF, you may elect to consider a portable charging (contingency) cable which can be plugged into a standard domestic power point. This cable is designed to be stored in your car in case you can’t reach a charging station, or for times where a charging station may not be available. This cable is not supplied as standard with your vehicle and is an aftermarket accessory which can be purchased from your Nissan EV dealer. Charging times from warning light to full using a portable charging cable can typically take in excess of 21 hours for a full charge (depending on available power & model of vehicle).

All vehicles are designed to support your regular driving behaviour, however from time to time, vehicles are required to be stored or garaged for prolonged periods. In the event of this, you can take the following actions to ensure that your vehicles battery condition is maintained;

• If you’re going away for an extended period of time (e.g.: 3 month holiday) then it is recommended to charge the vehicle fully before your departure, and then disconnect your LEAF from the charger whilst stored/garaged. Upon your return it will be noted that the charge level will have reduced. This is normal as the vehicle will periodically ‘top-up’ the 12V accessory battery so that it is kept charged (it’s normal for vehicle systems to use a small amount of ‘memory’ power over extended periods of time.)
• For significantly greater periods of time (e.g. 12 months or more.) you may also consider disconnecting the 12V battery which would further prevent the top up function from the Li-Ion battery occurring. However, your 12V battery will likely require charging via a conventional 12V battery charger prior to it being re-connected to the vehicle.  Also please note that all vehicle functions reliant on the 12V battery, such as central locking, lights etc. will not function whilst the 12V battery is disconnected.  

New Vehicle Warranty Period

5 years and Unlimited kilometres unless the vehicle is used as a commercial vehicle for purposes which include rental cars, hire and taxi, rideshare, delivery or courier vehicle, in which case the warranty period is 5 years or 200,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

In addition, the second-generation Nissan LEAF also comes with a Lithium-Ion battery State-of-Health guarantee. The second-generation Nissan LEAF Lithium-Ion battery State-of-Health guarantee protects against battery capacity loss (less than 9 bars out of 12) as shown on the in-vehicle capacity gauge for a period of 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

The Warranty commences from the time the vehicle is first registered or put into service (whichever occurs first). Please refer to the our warranty page for more information, exclusions and limitations.

Regular Servicing

Nissan recommends regular periodic maintenance.  The service intervals for your second-generation Nissan LEAF is 12 months or 20,000kms (whichever occurs first).  Nissan offer a capped price service schedule for a period of 72 months or 120,000 kms (whichever occurs first). Performance of recommended maintenance is a condition of the new vehicle warranty for the second-generation Nissan LEAF, and must be conducted by a Nissan certified EV technician.  For more information, please speak to your local Nissan EV dealer or call 1800 035 035 during regular trading hours (AEST).

Lithium-Ion Battery Maintenance

Battery health checks are performed as part of the regular servicing schedule for a second-generation Nissan LEAF.  In order to ensure your vehicles lithium-ion battery continues to perform to expected levels, regular charging is required.  Any damage or failure resulting from lack of regular maintenance of your vehicle and battery will not be covered by the new vehicle warranty or battery state of health guarantee.