Nissan Charging Guide

With running costs as low as £2.70 per 100 km and 40% reduction in maintenance costs to worry about, the Nissan LEAF reinforces itself as the best-selling electric vehicle in the world! The cost to run this model is some of the lowest in the electrical vehicle class. Imagine waking up every day to a car with a full tank, that's all charged and ready with a range of 235 miles. Charging the Leaf is quick, simple and safe, and it comes with the 3 charging functions below. These apply to cars with 24kWh and 30 kWh batteries.

For more helpful information regarding electric vehicles, we have put together a fully electric vehicle FAQs page. Here we will answer the most frequently asked questions that people have around electric vehicles. 

How to get the most from each charge

The Nissan LEAF comes with a range of battery extending features like:

• Eco Mode: Limits motors output by cutting back on things like air conditioning and employing features like regenerative braking.

• B Mode: Gives more aggressive regenerative braking to charge the battery.

Nissan LEAF Charging

There are three main ways to charge your LEAF.

• Rapid Charger - 30 minutes

Every LEAF has a Rapid Charging Port, which allows you to connect up to a rapid charger and reach up to 80% charge in 30 minutes. This is the fastest means of charging available and is ideal for when you need to top quickly or you are on a long journey. The Rapid Charge Port is located just left of the standard charging port and allows you to plug in at public rapid charger stations.

• Home Charging Unit - from 4 hours

Using a 32A home charging unit means you can charge your LEAF up overnight to reach a full charge in approximately 7 hours (24kWh) or 9 ½ hours (30kWh). Looking for something a bit quicker? Add in the optional 6.6kWh onboard charger to reduce the charge time to as little as 4 hours!

• Plug into the mains - 12 to 15 hours

The most traditional way of charging it with the supplied cable, which plugs directly into a regular domestic supply allowing you to charge from any standard wall socket.

NissanConnect EV System

The NissanConnect EV system means that you can keep in touch with your LEAF. This new and innovative technology links you to your LEAF via your smartphone, tablet or computer. You can schedule or activate a charge, monitor the charge level and range or even pre-heat your vehicle from your device.

Where to charge

'Filling up' will never be the same as the brand new LEAF. All you have to do is, plugin, give the battery some time to charge up and you’re good to go for 124 miles (kWh) or for up to 155 miles (30kWh).

• 32A Home Charging Unit

If you're looking to charge your LEAF in the convenience of your own driveway or garage the 32A Home Charging Unit is a must. It means that there is no need for separate cables as the unit includes the cable and connector as one. The charging station is great, all you need to do is make sure you have it installed by a qualified electrician. A 'wall box' is the quick and easy way to charge your lithium-ion battery. We will help refer you to one of a Home Charger suppliers who will provide you with a precise quote and the installation comes with a warranty and access to a helpline.

• Mains supply

If you do not have a charging unit or don't have access to a dedicated charging station than conventional mains charging is for you! The LEAF comes with a standard charging cable (EVSE) for regular three-pin plugs for charging anywhere with a 10A socket. The use of the circuit for your chosen socket is recommended. Opt for the 6.6kWh onboard charger and you'll also get a 7-pin mode 3 type 3 cable, which works on the compatible fast charger.

• Charging on the road

Public charging stations are fast! They use high-voltage DC power, charging your LEAF at one of these is quick and quite often free too! They are located at most motorway service stations and Nissan dealers. The number of charging stations is a network that is continuing to grow with impressive momentum meaning you should never be caught short!

To begin trickle/domestic charging:

1. Make sure that the vehicle is in the park, apply the parking brake and place the power switch in the off position.

2. Unlock the charge port and open it by sliding your hand under the lid and raising it until it locks into position.

3. Remove the EVSE from the bag, and connect it's plug to an available dedicated 110-120volt, 15amp or 20amp electrical outlet. The green light on the EVSE will illuminate.

4. Open the port on the car and open the safety cap from the charge connector. Then, plug it into the charge port on the vehicle.

5. Once it's properly connected, a beep will sound once. If charging has started or if the battery is waiting for a preset charging timer, it will beep twice and the charging indicator light will change. The orange light on the EVSE illuminates when charging is active and the green light remains on.

Charging will not start when the LEAF is on.

1. Make sure that the charger connector lock is not engaged.

2. Press the button on the charge connector, release the lock, then remove it from the port.

3. Re-attach the safety cap to the EVSE, and unplug the unit from the dedicated electricity outlet. Store the EVSE back in its case and put it back in the boot area.

4. Finally, close the cap on the charge port on the LEAF and close the charge port lid.

5. Trickle charging can be used with the immediate charge, remote charge and charge timer functions.