NISSAN 2012 LEAF - Owner's Manual - Manual (Page 45)

EV-22 EV Overview
RANGE
The distance you can drive the vehicle (range)
varies considerably depending upon available
charge, weather, temperature, usage, battery
age, topography, and driving style.
Vehicle range depends on a number of factors.
When the Li-ion battery is new, the estimated
vehicle range with a fully charged Li-ion battery
is approximately 100 miles based on the EPA
laboratory test commonly called the LA4 mode
drive cycle. This test represents city driving
conditions. Your actual range can vary, either
initially or as the battery ages and with use over
time. The majority of drivers will experience
vehicle ranges between 62 - 138 miles based
on the many factors that affect vehicle range.
See “Improve driving range” earlier in this
section for information of the factors that affect
vehicle range and how to use the vehicle to
maximize vehicle range.
IMPROVE DRIVING RANGE
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.
. Vehicle range may be substantially reduced
in extremely cold conditions (for example
-4
8F (-208C)).
. Using the climate control system to heat the
cabin when outside temperature is below
32
8F (08C) uses more electricity and affects
vehicle range more than when using the
heater when the temperature is above 32
8F
(0
8C).
EFFICIENT USE OF YOUR VEHICLE