Nissan Leaf 2018-2025 (ZE1) Owner's Manual : Driving with a discharged Li-ion battery

To help you reach your destination safely, the onboard navigation system (if equipped) is designed to monitor your remaining range. If you set a destination that exceeds the current estimated distance, the system will proactively search for nearby public charging stations. When these locations appear, we advise that you plan to charge your Nissan Leaf at the earliest opportunity.

As your Li-ion battery energy levels become low, the vehicle provides clear visual cues. Warning lights will illuminate on the instrument panel, accompanied by informative alerts on the vehicle information display. Furthermore, if you are utilizing the integrated navigation system, the screen will provide guided routing to the nearest available charging stations to ensure you are not left without power.

Please be aware that vehicle range is extremely limited once these warning indicators appear. It is critical to heed all alerts on the navigation screen and proceed immediately to the closest charging station to avoid a total loss of motive power.

The system utilizes three distinct stages of alerts as the Li-ion battery approaches full discharge:

Instrument panel display showing low charge warnings for the Nissan Leaf

1. At the initial stage of low energy, the following indicators will activate simultaneously to alert the driver:

  • The low battery charge indicator Low battery charge warning icon
  • The master warning light Master warning triangle icon
  • A clear text prompt reading "Battery charge is low, Charge now" will appear on the vehicle information display.
  • If equipped, the navigation system will provide additional guidance and prompts on its screen.
  • For more comprehensive details, please refer to the section covering the "Low battery charge indicator."

Nissan Leaf instrument display with flashing range indicator

  • The estimated driving range display will begin to flash to emphasize the urgency of the situation.

NOTE:

Traffic conditions can significantly impact your travel time. If your Nissan Leaf battery is reaching a near-complete state of discharge, prioritize driving directly to the nearest charging location rather than attempting to reach a more distant station suggested by the navigation system.

Instrument display showing empty range indicator on Nissan Leaf

2. Should you continue driving as the Li-ion battery discharge deepens, the estimated driving range display on the instrument panel will change to "- - -" to signal critical range status.

Additional advisory messages will also be shown on your navigation system screen if your vehicle is so equipped.

For more specific details, please see the section dedicated to the "Li-ion battery available charge gauge."

3. When the power limitation indicator light Power limitation indicator light illuminates, the traction motor output is intentionally restricted to preserve remaining energy. This will result in noticeably reduced vehicle speed and acceleration. You must stop the vehicle in a safe location immediately before the battery is fully depleted and the vehicle loses all motive power.

If you find yourself in an emergency, please contact the Roadside Assistance Service detailed in your NISSAN Warranty Information Booklet. For additional guidance, refer to the section titled "If the Li-ion battery becomes completely discharged."

Charging the 12-volt battery

Your Nissan Leaf automatically maintains the charge of the auxiliary 12-volt battery using energy stored in the main Li-ion battery.

During the active charging process, the charge status indicator light on the instrument panel will flash. Note that this light does not flash while the main Li-ion battery is being charged or when the power switch is in the "READY" to drive position.

For further information, please see the section regarding "Charging status indicator lights."

While the vehicle is being driven

The Li-ion battery will replenish the 12-volt battery as required whenever the power switch is set to the "READY" to drive position.

Please note that the 12-volt battery will not charge under the following specific conditions:

  • When the power switch is set to the ACC (Accessory) position.
  • When the power switch is in the ON position, but the transmission shift selector is set to the N (Neutral) position.

While the vehicle is not in use

When the Nissan Leaf EV system remains powered off for an extended period, the vehicle may automatically activate a short charging cycle for the 12-volt battery on a regular, intermittent basis to maintain its health.

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