NISSAN 2012 LEAF - Owner's Manual - Manual (Page 254)

Vehicle range depends on a number of factors.
Actual vehicle range will vary depending upon:
. speed,
. vehicle load,
. electrical load from vehicle accessories,
. traffic and road conditions,
NISSAN recommends the following driving
habits to help maximize vehicle range:
Before driving:
. Follow recommended periodic maintenance.
. Keep tires inflated to 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 vehi-
cle.
While driving:
. Drive in ECO mode
— In the ECO position more regenerative
brake is applied when the accelerator
pedal is released in comparison to the D
(Drive) position and more power is
provided to the Li-ion battery.
— The ECO position helps reduce power
consumption by reducing acceleration
when compared to the same accelerator
pedal position in the D (Drive ) position.
— The ECO position reduces the power
provided to the heater and air conditioner
system.
. Drive at a constant speed. Maintain cruising
speeds with a constant accelerator posi-
tions or by using cruise control when
appropriate.
. Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Gently
press and release the accelerator pedal for
acceleration and deceleration.
. Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
. Avoid frequent stopping and braking. Main-
tain a safe distance behind other vehicles.
. Turn off the air conditioner/heater when it is
not necessary.
. Select a moderate temperature setting for
heating or cooling to help reduce power
consumption.
. Use the air conditioner/heater and close
windows to reduce drag when cruising at
highway 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 regen-
erative brake system. The primary pur-
pose of 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) position,
when the accelerator pedal is released,
the regenerative brake system provides
some deceleration and some power to
the Li-ion battery.
Starting and driving 5-19
INCREASING POWER ECONOMY