2023 Nissan Leaf Charging Guide

Normal Charge

NISSAN recommends using normal charging for the usual charging of the vehicle. Use of quick charge should be minimized in order to help prolong Li-ion battery life. Normal charging uses L1 & L2 EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), or an SAE J1772 compliant charging device connected to a dedicated AC 220 – 240 volt circuit. L1 & L2 EVSE is provided with the vehicle (if so equipped). The charging device is a home charging dock installed in your home by a qualified electrician. Contact your NISSAN-certified LEAF dealer. For additional information, see “How to normal charge”.

Trickle Charge

Trickle charging is not recommended for regular use because it takes more time than normal charging. A trickle charge can be used when it is necessary to perform an emergency charge at a destination such as a friend’s house. Trickle charge uses the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) provided with the vehicle or an SAE J1772 compliant cord set to connect the vehicle to an AC 110–120 volt, 15A dedicated outlet. The outlet should be protected by a circuit breaker to avoid overloading the circuit or other electrical hazards. For additional information, see “How to trickle charge”

Quick Charge

Quick charge capability is only available on vehicles manufactured with the quick charge option, which includes the quick charge port. If your vehicle does not have such a port, quick charging cannot be used. A vehicle equipped with a quick charge port is compatible with most CHAdeMO (Japanese industry standard) connectors on charging stations. Charging stations using this standard are UL certified and safe to use in the US. While supported by NISSAN, this connector may not become the US SAE standard. Quick charging is possible (even several times a day). If the battery temperature is near the red zone, in order to protect the battery, the power of the quick charging will be limited. Public charging: This vehicle is compatible with any public charging station that is SAE J1772 compliant. If you attempt to charge from a non-compliant charging station, you may not receive a complete charge, or you may not be able to charge at all due to hardware and software differences. NISSAN is working with states, municipalities, utility companies, and others to assist in the preparation of markets and infrastructure. However, NISSAN makes no representations that public charging stations will be available in locations where you wish to operate the vehicle, nor can NISSAN predict the period of time it may take for public charging infrastructure to be developed in your area. Depending on where you live or drive, there may not be sufficient public charging stations available to meet your particular needs for driving range and charging away from your home. Trip planning is therefore important, and you should plan trips with these facts in mind.

Quick charge uses public charging stations (up to 50 kW of power [for 40 kWh battery models] / 100 kW of power [for 60 kWh battery models]). The time needed to charge the Li-ion battery from discharged (low battery charge indicator light illuminated) to 80% charged using the quick charger depends on many factors including the Li-ion battery temperature and the type of quick charger used. It may take more time to charge the Li-ion battery using the quick charger if the vehicle is parked in a cold location for a long time. It may take more time to charge the Li-ion battery using the quick charger if the temperature of the Li-ion battery is high or low. The Li-ion battery temperature gauge can be used to estimate the approximate time needed to charge the Li-ion battery to 80%. If charging stops mid-charge, you can restart charging by pressing the start button on the quick charger station again. Quick charging is possible (even several times a day). If the battery temperature is near the red zone, in order to protect the battery, the power of the quick charging will be limited.

40 kWh Battery Charging Times

2023 Nissan Leaf Charging times

60 kWh Battery Charging Times

2023 Nissan Leaf Charging Guide 60 kwh

V2X Charge/Discharge

V2X charge/discharge capability is only available on vehicles manufactured with the V2X charge/discharge option, which includes the quick charge port. A vehicle equipped with a quick charge port is compatible with most CHAdeMO (Japanese industry standard) connectors on charging stations.

Charging stations or V2X charging/ discharging devices using this standard are UL certified and safe to use in the US. While supported by NISSAN, this connector may not become the US SAE standard. V2X charging/discharging is possible (even several times a day). If the battery temperature is near the red zone, in order to protect the battery, the power of the V2X charging/ discharging will be limited. For additional information, consult a V2X device manufacturer or a V2X charging/ discharging service provider.

Power Limitation Mode

This mode protects the health and operation of the vehicle’s Li-ion battery. This mode operates in certain extreme conditions (heat, cold, low state of charge). Power available to vehicle systems, including its traction motor, is limited resulting in limited performance, acceleration, and top speed. Charging may be automatically terminated, especially with repeated quick charging in extremely hot weather.

Checking Lithium-Ion Battery

The three methods for checking the amount of charge are as follows:

  • Check by using the Li-ion battery available charge gauge on the vehicle information display when the power switch is placed in the ON position. For additional information, see “Li-ion battery available charge gauge” (P. 2-9) and “Low battery charge indicator” (P. 2-38).
  • Check by using an internet-enabled smartphone or personal computer. For additional information, refer to the “NissanConnect® Manual”.
  • Check by using the charging status indicator light. For additional information, see “Charging status indicator lights”

Note:

  • Normal charge uses the charging device (AC 220 – 240 volt, 16A or 32A) that can be installed in your home to charge the Li-ion battery.
  • Immediate charge, charging timer, and remote charge (models with Navigation System) can be performed in the normal charge mode. For additional information, see “Charging methods” (P. CH-43).
  • The charging equipment communicates with the vehicle before Li-ion battery charging starts. If this communication does not occur because other equipment is used, the Li-ion battery will not charge.
  • NISSAN recommends that you connect the charging device when getting out of the vehicle, even if it is not going to be used. By doing this, you can get the most out of the remote climate control (models with Navigation System) and Climate Ctrl. Timer functions the next time you use the vehicle.

Starting Normal Charge

1. Push the P (Park) position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position and apply the parking brake.

2. When charging the Li-ion battery, place the power switch in the OFF position. When the power switch is in the ON position, the Li-ion battery will not start charging.

3. Open the charge port lid and charge port cap. For additional information, see “Charge port lid” (P. 3-20) and “Charge port cap” (P. 3-22).

plugging in 2023 Nissan Leaf

4. Connect the charge connector to the charge port. If it is connected normally, a beep will sound once.

5. If charging has started or if the battery is waiting for the charging timer, a beep will sound twice and the charging status indicator light display will change. For additional information, see “Charging status indicator lights”.

Stopping Normal Charge

removing charging cable 2023 Nissan Leaf

To stop normal charge:

1. Ensure that the charge connector lock is not engaged. For additional information, see “Charge connector lock system” (P. CH-41).

2. Press the button on the charge connector, release the lock and remove the charge connector from the charge port and properly store it.

3. Close the charge port cap.

4. After closing the charge port cap on the charge port, close the charge port lid.

Starting a Trickle Charge

charging indicator 2023 Nissan Leaf

NOTE: Charging timer, remote charge (models with navigation system) and immediate charge can be performed in the trickle charge mode. For additional information, see “Charging methods” (P. CH-43). 

1. Push the P (Park) position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position and apply the parking brake. 

2. When charging the Li-ion battery, place the power switch in the OFF position. When the power switch is in the ON position, the Li-ion battery will not start charging. 

3. Open the charge port lid. For additional information, see “Charge port lid” (P. 3-20).

4. Take out the EVSE from the rear hatch.

5. Connect the electrical plug to the AC 110 – 120 volt, 15A dedicated electrical outlet. If it is connected normally, the green light on the EVSE control box indicator light illuminates.

NOTE: You can pass a cord through the holes OA in the control box in order to hang it up while the Li-ion battery is charging. Use the EVSE with the plug in an upright position (the cord should extend down from the outlet).

236. Open the charge port cap. For additional information,

2023 Nissan Leaf charging cable
2023 Nissan Leaf charging safety cap

7. Remove the safety cap from the charge connector.

8. Connect the charge connector to the charge port. If it is connected normally, a beep will sound once.

9. If charging has started, or if the Li-ion battery is waiting for the charging timer, a beep will sound twice and the charging status indicator light display will change. For additional information, see “Charging status indicator

2023 Nissan Leaf charging

10. When recharging outside, such as in your driveway, use a commercially available padlock attached in position A to prevent theft.

Stopping Trickle Charge

2023 Nissan Leaf removing cable

1. Ensure that the charge connector lock is not engaged. For additional information, see “Charge connector lock system” (P. CH-41).

2. Press the button on the charge connector, release the lock and remove the charge connector from the charge port.

3. Close the charge port cap.

4. Attach the safety cap to the EVSE.

5. Remove the electrical plug from the AC 110 – 120 volt, 15A dedicated electrical outlet.

6. Store in its case.

NOTE: Perform the following procedure to store the EVSE in the case: a. Wind the charge cable into a size that will allow it to be stored in the case (approximately 14 in (36 cm) in diameter). Winding the charge cable in the direction shown below avoids shortening of cable life.

2023 Nissan Leaf winding cable
Place the EVSE into the case
2023 Nissan Leaf cable storage bag
Pass the lower side belt from the case through the fastener on the bottom of the luggage board

2023 Nissan Leaf charging cable
stowing cable bag on 2023 Nissan Leaf

Hang the hook OD from the case to the ring from the trim. Fix the belt with the hook-and-loop fastener on the side of the case by pulling the end of the belt.

hanging cable bag on 2023 Nissan Leaf

Starting Trickle Charge (AC 110–120 volt) BY L1 & L2 EVSE

1. Push the P (Park) position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position and apply the parking brake.

2. When charging the Li-ion battery, place the power switch in the OFF position. When the power switch is in the ON position, the Li-ion battery will not start charging.

3. Open the charge port lid. For additional information, see “Charge port lid” (P. 3-20).

4. Take out the EVSE from the rear hatch.

2023 Nissan Leaf cable bag contents

5. Connect the electrical plug to the AC 110 – 120 volt, 15A dedicated electrical outlet using a Genuine NISSAN Adapter. If it is connected normally, the green light on the EVSE control box indicator light illuminates.

hanging charger for 2023 Nissan Leaf

You can pass a cord through the holes (A) on the control box to the holder in order to hang it up while the Li-ion battery is charging. Use the EVSE with the plug in the upright position. (The cord should extend down from the outlet.)

6. Open the charge port cap. For additional information, see “Charge port cap” (P. 3-22).

2023 Nissan Leaf charger

7. Remove the safety cap from the charge connector.

2023 Nissan Leaf safety cap
2023 Nissan Leaf charger wall. bracket

8. Connect the charge connector to the charge port. If it is connected normally, a beep will sound once.

9. If charging has started, or if the Li-ion battery is waiting for the charging timer, a beep will sound twice and the charging status indicator light display will change.

2023 Nissan Leaf trickle charge

10. When recharging outside, such as in your driveway, use a commercially available padlock attached in position (A) to prevent theft.

2023 Nissan Leaf charger

Stopping Trickle Charge

stopping trickle charge on 2023 Nissan Leaf

1. Ensure that the charge connector lock is not engaged. For additional information, see “Charge connector lock system” (P. CH-41). 

2. Press the button on the charge connector, release the lock and remove the charge connector from the charge port.

3. Attach the safety cap to the EVSE.

4. Remove the electrical plug from the AC 110 – 120 volt, 15A dedicated electrical outlet.

5. Store in its case

storing trickle charger for 2023 Nissan Leaf
trickle charger in bag on 2023 Nissan Leaf

Starting Quick Charge

Quick charge uses public charging stations (up to 50 kW of power [for 40 kWh battery models] / 100 kW of power [for 60 kWh battery models]) to charge the battery in a short period of time.

To start charging:

1. Push the P (Park) position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position and apply the parking brake.

2. When charging the Li-ion battery, place the power switch in the OFF position. When the power switch is in the ON position, the Li-ion battery will not start charging.

3. Open the charge port lid and charge port cap. For additional information, see “Charge port lid” (P. 3-20) and “Charge port cap” (P. 3-22).

quick charge for 2023 Nissan Leaf
  1. Align O1 with the groove of the charge port and insert the charge connector.
2023 Nissan Leaf quick charge plug
Be sure to insert the charge connector straight into the quick charge port right up to the base. Failure to do so may result in the Li-ion battery not charging or could cause damage to the charging equipment.

5. Grasp the lock lever and lock the charge connector.

6. Follow the instructions on the quick charge equipment. When the equipment is properly installed and ready to charge a beep sounds twice and the charging status indicator light will change. For additional information, see “Charging status indicator lights” (P. CH-49). Charging ends in the following situations: • When charging is complete • When the possible charge time set for the quick charger is exceeded

plugging in quick charger for 2023 Nissan Leaf

To finish charging:

1. Confirm charging is stopped by looking at the indicators on the instrument panel. The charge connector can be disconnected from the vehicle when charging is stopped.

2. Unlock the charge connector, remove from the vehicle and properly store it.

3. Close the quick charge port cap.

4. Shut the charge port lid.

2023 Nissan Leaf quick charging

NEMA 14–50 Outlet and Plug

120V/240V EVSE (L1/L2) plug must be connected to a NEMA 14–50 outlet that is connected to a single phase power supply obtained from a delta connection. If connected to another type of power supply, EVSE will not work normally

2023 Nissan Leaf outlet plug
2023 Nissan Leaf charger wiring diagram
Correct electric outlet connection if connected to three phase power supply, EVSE does not work normally.

Incorrect electric outlet connection. If EVSE is connected to this miswired outlet, EVSE does not work and the POWER indicator light (orange) on the EVSE control box will blink.

2023 Nissan Leaf Owners Manual