I. Carefully consider the characteristics of an all electric vehicle. The Nissan LEAF may not meet your driving needs. This form will alert you to several factors to consider. THE NISSAN LEAF WEBSITE (http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf) CONTAINS ESSENTIAL INFORMATION WHEN MAKING A DECISION ON WHETHER AN ALL ELECTRIC VEHICLE IS RIGHT FOR YOU. READ ITS CONTENTS THOROUGHLY BEFORE ORDERING and call us if you have any questions (1-877- NO GAS EV, 1-877-664-2738).
II. It is important to conserve power (electricity) and plan your charging needs when you drive. The battery pack is the sole source of power to operate the vehicle. A. Charging (3 types with 240V recommended):
Nissan highly recommends a home charger be installed on a dedicated 240V circuit by a professional electrician using an SAE J1772 compliant charging dock. Nissan has contracted with AeroVironment to assist you in purchasing and installing a charger. If you are enrolled in the U.S. government’s EV Project in select markets, ECOtality is the responsible party for the charger and installation.
Although not recommended for regular use, for Trickle charging, a dedicated 120V outlet may be used but: (1) will take much longer than 240V charging; (2) requires use of the supplied charging cord or an SAE J1772 complaint cord; and (3) the outlet should be protected by a dedicated circuit breaker or fuse to protect against electrical hazard.
High voltage or Quick charge is commercially being developed and provides a 440V charge.
Nissan is encouraging the development of public charging infrastructure and compatibility between public charging stations and vehicle charging ports but we cannot ensure this will occur. Nissan cannot assure you that public charging stations will be available in locations where you operate the vehicle, nor can Nissan predict the period of time it may take for public charging infrastructure to be developed. 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.
A Quick Charge port (440V) is not standard equipment and is an option on the SL model only with limited availability. If necessary for you, it must be ordered initially and installed during manufacture. It cannot be added or retrofitted later.
Time to Charge varies, based on state of charge of the battery, condition and age of the battery, ambient temperature and condition of the power source connected to the vehicle. The following are estimates only; your actual experience may vary.
Standard Charge. - Empty lamp ~100%: ~7 hours
Trickle Charge. - Empty lamp ~ 100%: ~21 hours
Quick Charge. - Empty lamp ~80%: ~30 minutes
with battery temperature at 77 °F. (Quick Charging more than once per day not recommended)
B. Range. The distance you can drive (range) varies considerably depending upon state of charge, weather, temperature, usage, age, topography, and manner of driving.
Range Estimates: The range is dependent on a number of factors. When the battery is new, it is estimated that vehicle range will vary between 138 and 62 miles with a full charge for the majority of people under normal operation and various driving conditions. Some of the factors affecting range are ambient temperature, weight - number of passengers and payload, air conditioning/heating usage, high speed or stop-and-go driving, topography, battery capacity, etc. These are estimates based upon analysis and testing. Your individual style and location will dictate your individual range which will vary initially and as the battery ages capacity and range decline.
Gradual loss of battery capacity. Like all lithium ion batteries, the Nissan LEAF battery will experience a reduction in the amount of electricity or charge it can hold over time, resulting in a reduction in the vehicle’s range. This is normal and expected. The rate of reduction cannot be assured, however, the battery is expected to maintain approximately 80% of its’ initial capacity after 5 years of normal operation and recommended care, but this is not guaranteed. This number may be higher or lower depending upon usage and care. Factors that will affect and may hasten the rate of capacity loss include, but are not limited to: very high (above 120°F) ambient outside temperature when the vehicle is operated or charged, driving habits, vehicle usage, and charging habits (Quick Charging the vehicle more than once per day).
Driving/Operating. Driving the vehicle at constant speed and with smooth pedal modulation improves vehicle range. Nissan also recommends heating or cooling the cabin while charging just prior to driving. Vehicle range will be reduced by: (1) high speed driving (55+ mph), (2) aggressive driving (frequent or rapid acceleration) (3), severe conditions including heavy passenger/cargo load, uphill driving at a steep incline for extended periods of time, and (4) electrical use, especially heater or air conditioner use.
Limited Power Notice. This mode protects the health and operation of the vehicle’s battery. This mode is triggered in certain extreme conditions (heat, cold, low state of charge). Power available to vehicle systems, including its electric motor, will be limited resulting in limited performance, acceleration and top speed. Charging may be automatically terminated, especially with repeated quick charging in extreme hot weather. For prolonged operation in below freezing climates, Nissan strongly recommends a trim level with Cold Weather specifications that includes a battery heater (late availability). Vehicles not ordered with Cold Weather specifications cannot be retrofitted later.
III. Vehicle Operation & Features: Refer to owner’s manual for details.
A. Electric Vehicle. The Nissan LEAF is an all electric vehicle with no tailpipe emissions. In order for the vehicle to operate, the vehicle battery must be charged with electricity in advance. As the vehicle operates, it uses electricity stored in the vehicle battery. If the vehicle battery becomes completely discharged (a condition to be avoided), the vehicle will not operate until it is re-charged, a process which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 21 hours (see Section II above).
B. The Solar Panel Spoiler on SL trim level supplies minimal charge to vehicle’s 12V battery to support operation of features (for example: charging a cell phone, operating the vehicle’s clock) and does not charge the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery nor extend range.
C. Data Recorders. The Nissan LEAF is equipped with several data recorders: (1) a data recorder for diagnosing repairs, (2) an Event Data Recorder (“EDR”) that records data in crash or near crash situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle. The EDR records data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less; and (3) Telematics and recorded vehicle data for features, analysis, and research. The Nissan LEAF records data concerning various vehicle systems, location, driving performance, and operating conditions. Some of this data is transmitted to Nissan through the vehicle onboard CARWINGS (telematics) system. This data is used for the provision of CARWINGS services, as well as for analysis and research by Nissan designed to, among other things, optimize performance of future electric vehicles including improvements in future battery life. Certain state laws restrict access to such data without the consent of the vehicle owner. Without your consent, the vehicle will de-activate the vehicle telematics system in your vehicle, and certain features, including all telematics, of your vehicle will not operate as intended.
D. Cellular Network. The CARWINGS system communicates through the AT&T cellular network which may not be available in all areas. Certain remote functions require a compatible smartphone, not included or supplied.
E. Roadside Assistance and CARWINGS Telematics Features (see III.C.3 above) are included through a subscription service which is standard in the price of the vehicle for the first 36 months. After that time, a subscription service can be purchased.
IV. Vehicle Maintenance & Warranty
As an electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF has unique features, service requirements, and safety risks that require specially trained technicians and some specialized equipment.
A. Warranty: All warranty repairs may only be completed at a certified Nissan LEAF dealership. Not all Nissan dealers may be certified. The closest certified Nissan LEAF dealership may be located farther away than you would prefer.
B. Mileage at Delivery: Your Nissan LEAF’s proper operation will be tested by Nissan after production and your vehicle will therefore be delivered with some mileage reflected on the odometer and some battery use with minimal capacity loss. C. Li-Ion Battery Checks: Nissan recommends regular periodic maintenance, including two required Battery Checks to be completed by a certified Nissan LEAF dealership at intervals of 12 and 24 months at no additional cost to you. Performance of recommended maintenance, including the two Battery Checks, is a condition of your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
D. Battery Replacement Costs: As your vehicle battery ages, you may decide to replace the battery due to gradual capacity loss and its effect on vehicle range. Replacement cost is unknown at this time, but the cost to you may be significant, and may be greater than replacing a gas vehicle’s power train. Nissan anticipates reductions in replacement battery cost as battery technology improves. Individual modules inside the battery pack may be replaced at a certified Nissan LEAF dealership, at much less cost than replacing the entire battery pack.
E. Repairs: BODY SHOP WARNING: In the event of a significant accident, the vehicle should be delivered to a certified Nissan LEAF dealer to have the battery pack and high voltage parts such as the inverter, including the wiring harness, removed prior to painting. Battery packs exposed to heat in the paint booth will experience capacity loss. Damaged battery packs may also pose safety risks to untrained mechanics and repair personnel.
