3.1. The electric vehicle system

The LEAF is an electric vehicle. Some of the vehicle's systems operate differently and have different operating characteristics than vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine. It is important to carefully review the entire Owner's Manual for this reason. The main difference is the LEAF is powered by electricity. The LEAF does not require and it is not capable of using petrol like a vehicle powered by a traditional internal combustion engine. The LEAF uses electricity stored in the lithium ion (Li-ion) battery. The vehicle Li-ion battery must be charged with electricity before the vehicle can be driven. As the vehicle operates, the Li-ion battery gradually discharges. If the Li-ion battery becomes completely discharged, the vehicle will not operate until it is re-charged.

This vehicle uses two types of batteries. One is the 12-volt battery that is the same as the battery in vehicles powered by petrol or diesel engines, the other is the Li-ion battery (high voltage).

The 12-volt battery provides power to the vehicle systems and features such as the audio system, supplemental restraint systems, headlights and windscreen wipers.

The Li-ion battery provides power to the electric motor (traction motor) that moves the vehicle.

The Li-ion battery also charges the 12-volt battery.

The vehicle must be plugged in for the Li-ion battery to be charged. Additionally, the vehicle system can extend the driving range by converting driving force into electricity that is stored in the Li-ion battery while the vehicle is decelerating or being driven downhill. This is called regenerative braking. This vehicle is considered to be an environmentally friendly vehicle because it does not emit exhaust gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide.