Nissan LEAF 2023 Owners Manual
9.23.4. Regenerative brake system
The primary purpose of the regenerative brake system is to provide some power to help recharge the Li-ion battery and to extend driving range. A secondary benefit is “engine braking” that occurs when the regenerative brake is activated. The level of regenerative braking varies with the state of charge of the Li-ion battery.
In the D range, when the accelerator is released, the regenerative brake system provides some deceleration and generates power for the Li-ion battery. Power is also generated when the brake pedal is applied.
When placing the shift lever in the B position and take your foot off the accelerator pedal, the level of regenerative braking applied is increased compared to driving in the D (Drive) position. However, during high-speed driving you may feel that regenerative brake provides less deceleration than the engine braking in an ordinary vehicle would do. This is normal.
Less deceleration is provided by the regenerative brake system when the Li-ion battery is fully charged. Regenerative braking is automatically reduced when the Li-ion battery is fully charged to prevent the Li-ion battery from becoming overcharged. Regenerative braking is also automatically reduced when the battery temperature is high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones on the battery temperature gauge) to prevent Li-ion battery damage.
The brake pedal should be used to slow or stop the vehicle depending on traffic or road conditions. The vehicle brakes are not affected by regenerative brake system operation.
When applying the regenerative brakes, you may hear a sound coming from the regenerative brake system. This is a normal operating characteristic of an electric vehicle.
If the power switch position is in a position other than ON or READY to drive, you can stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be required to stop the vehicle, and the stopping distance will be longer since the braking will not be power assisted.
When depressing the brake pedal, the braking pedal feel will not be smooth or may change when the regenerative brake system activates. However, the electronically controlled brake system is operating normally and this does not indicate a malfunction.