ESCI KSP

Smart Transportation

ST-4.3 Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles

The Nissan Leaf is a 100% electric vehicle built to go approximately 100 miles (160 km) on a single charge. The vehicle range is affected by climate control, speed, driving style, cargo and topography.

Vehicle range can be maximized by:

  • using moderate temperature settings inside the cabin
  • pre-heating or pre-cooling the cabin before it is unplugged
  • driving at slower, constant speeds
  • using ‘eco mode’
  • destination charging

Under ideal driving conditions, the vehical can travel 138 miles on a charge. ‘Ideal Conditions’ consist of a constant speed of 38 mph, a outdoors temperature of 68 degrees, flat terrain and no climate control.

The Nissan LEAF has a number of features to help you maximize your range and keep you charged up:

CARWINGS™ information system:

  • Updates the navigation system with current charging station locations in your area
  • Monitors the state of charge from your Smartphone or computer
  • Remotely starts vehicle charging
  • Provides connectivity to start and stop the climate control system in the vehicle remotely via your Smartphone or computer
  • Reminds you to plug in the car if you forget
  • Is provided to you complimentary for three years

LEAF onboard navigation system:

  • Is “smart” enough to tell you based on destination input and state of charge whether you have the range to “make it,” and if not, search for nearby charging station along the route
  • Displays your current range radius
  • Will alert you if you need to charge
  • Shows you where you can find the nearest available charge station
  • Displays how much charge you have left and how many miles remain
  • Has a real time energy usage screen which shows you how much energy is being used, regenerated, how much further you can drive, and the real time impact of using climate control on your range

Multi-function display drive computer:

  • Measures energy economy, kWh/mile, similar to a MPG meter
  • Calculates estimated charging time under 120V and 240V power

Other features:

Regenerative braking – Every time you coast or apply the brakes in the Nissan LEAF, the electric motor acts as an electric generator, converting energy that would otherwise be wasted into battery energy. So even when you’re slowing down, you’re charging up.

Eco mode – This driver selectable mode reduces air conditioning, increases regenerative braking, and could increase your range by up to 10%.

Power meter – Indicates the regeneration power level provided to the Li-ion battery system and the energy (power) consumption level when driving.

Eco-indicator – The meter displays an illustrated ECO driving level calculated from conditions such as accelerator pedal and brake pedal operations, air conditioner usage and idling time of the electric motor.

Lithium ion battery empty warning light – When your battery has 4kWh remaining, your empty warning light will come on. A notification on your screen will indicate where to find all charging stations within range.

Power limitation mode – In the event that your battery becomes critically low, power limitation mode will automatically minimize your energy consumption and reduce your speed to help you get to a charging dock.


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