Beginner's or new owners guide to using a Nissan Leaf 40kWh (& 62kWh model)

A new owner's guide to the Nissan Leaf electric car. If you are a new owner of a used Nissan Leaf 40kWh or 62kWh electric car, this video will show you the basics on how to operate and use your new EV.
At 37 minutes long, it didn't end up being a "quick start guide", but it covers what you'll need to know to get the best from your new electric vehicle, such as starting, driving and charging. It will give you the basics and maybe save reading the owners manual.
To see more Nissan Leaf videos, see playlist • Nissan Leaf owners
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For EVs for sale, see www.gogreenautos.co.uk/for-sale
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:46 Keys & locking
01:14 Starting
02:18 Gear selector
03:35 Handbrake
05:46 Reversing
06:35 Dashboard
09:19 How to drive efficiently
11:52 Regen braking
14:20 e-Pedal
17:40 ECO mode
20:50 Heating
22:40 Pre-conditioning
25:35 Charging timer
25:56 Charging
31:30 Range
35:56 Exiting the vehicle
36:45 End credits
#gogreenautos #nissanleaf #evlearning #gogreenautosuk #electricvehicles #electriccar

[@John-km2uw]

Wow, this is the best Leaf user briefing I've seen on KZbin... Thank you.

[@rachelwiscombe6606]

totally agree! I borrowed a friends Leaf this week and drove it completely incorrectly and used up the km's so quickly so this explanation is so useful. I am planning on buying a Leaf this week and I now feel very well prepared to drive it properly and more efficiently! Thank you :)

[@snoopyjot]

One useful bit of info I got from the Nissan dealership was to never use the epedal while parking the car, because it’s a bit jerky and makes it more likely for me to hit other vehicles or walls etc. So switch off epedal while parking.

[@SentientMeatbag]

I found this out the hard way... Three days into owning my (second hand) Leaf, I was getting out of a tight street parking spot. The car was barely moving backwards, so I gave a bit more pedal and it just took off. I backed into the tow ball of the car behind me. The other car was fine, but I had a nasty dent in my rear bumper. Thankfully, I could remove like 90% of the dent myself.

[@davecooper3642]

I use epedal all the time and can't believe this comment. Never ever experienced this and in fact find it more likely to lurch without epedal. In addition the car has collision detection so not sure how you can hit something while parking,

[@Honey_Dale]

Hi. I keep trying to find out. But all the videos never mention it. On the right near the electric chare button. What is the swivell button for. With 1&2 numbers. Is it the fog lights?

[@loabydosser7286]

@@Honey_Dale It usually adjusts the height or tilt of the headlights in most cars, to compensate for passengers in back or load in boot. Not used by most people.

[@Honey_Dale]

@@loabydosser7286 Thank you! Once you explain that it looks obvious now haha

[@Tron-Jockey]

Keep in mind that ECO mode simply adds a bit of hysteresis to the accelerator. It allows for a more gradual launch from a start (more like a gasoline car). Some people don't like the jerkiness of full D or B mode. Also, there is an energy savings with ECO on these softer launches. Electric motors can draw huge amounts of current (in-rush), when power is first applied and they are not yet turning. They are actually quite inefficient until they're spinning. ECO does help limit the excessive in-rush. However, ECO will have little or no effect if cruising down the highway. It will help around town where there's a lot of stop and starts.

[@martiruda]

can you change from eco to non eco while the car is moving? makes sense to flick it on an off at my own will

[@kesharvice5565]

@@martiruda yea you can

[@olivefowler4312]

Just bought a Leaf. This is exactly what I needed to build my confidence about driving it. I'll need to watch it a few times, I think! Much appreciated.

[@Owsryudie]

What is your range? And how much do you regen with B/D mode and E-pedal? - Would be awesome if you can inform - I am willing to buy a Leaf :D

[@kcurrie-dauth6983]

Thanks for such a clear and detailed video. This is exactly what I wanted to know before taking delivery of my new Leaf.... you have covered so much info to help people get to know their car. Much appreciated!

[@TheOldFellow]

Wonderful useful video. I have tried to read the manual, but it was written by someone who knew the car, not FOR someone who doesn't - and you have to KNOW already what everything is called. This is exactly what you need to learn Nissanese.

[@Tony-ks8fr]

Very informative and helpful in gaining an understanding of what driving a Nissan Leaf involves. Thank you for making this video with such relevant info!

[@TheMazza595]

I have a leaf and this is an excellent video of exactly what you need to know 👏🏼

[@robertjohnson-taylor2596]

Excellent introduction to leaf operation. Thank you.

[@catherinekyle5921]

This is sooo helpful. Just got Nissan Leaf yesterday and a complete novice! Thank you so much.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad you found it useful

[@fortheloveofzuckuss1724]

Just had mine delivered, after driving manual for 31 years this video is most helpful, thank you!

[@rorystrand8172]

That was very helpful for a new EV owner. Thank you!

[@Sam-fg5mi]

Loved the video. Perfect explanation without BS. Subbed, thank you very much

[@GoGreenAutos]

Thanks.

[@gmanrulesakarottenruby]

Of all the reviews and vods on the leaf you are the only actually useful one around, thank you for this!

[@MarkSmith-io3qd]

Very timely. Slowly convincing my Dad to get a Leaf as his next Motability car.

[@andersolsen3237]

Great instructional video on how to basically operate the Leaf 40w. Thanks for doing that 🙂

[@choxdust3025]

Thank you so much for uploading this. I was driving an 18 year old Prius and now adjusting to the Nissan Leaf with all its bells and whistles

[@kevinoconnor1354]

Excellent , Excellent , Excellent instructions for a new Leaf owner in Minnesota , USA. Thank You , Kevin

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it was helpful

[@blaizeautumn]

Learned alot dad from this review very detailed and clear👍

[@jimdunlop4427]

Well done sir!!! I am considering getting a 2022 Leaf and this video was great!!

[@exambly]

Just make sure you get a plus model

[@seanrobin6573]

"Absolutely MAGNIFICENT TUTORIAL, VERY METICULOUS AND QUITE INFORMATIVE

[@andrewpointer7352]

Very useful thank you. I had 2017 40kwg and now have a 2022 40kwg and its more efficient doing same journeys . Really pleased .

[@lordpitnolen2196]

Thank you for your excellent video. I bought my first 40kw Tekna when they first came on the market about 3½ years ago. I am currently awaiting (delayed) delivery of a 62kw Tekna. I did learn some new information like the e-pedal using the traditional brakes to an extent. I drive in B mode, Eco switch off and e-pedal on at all times - I should, perhaps, review that. On major roads I will use variable cruise control with steering protection on. My lazy driving is NO pedal. Set cruise a little faster than the vehicle in front. Great in queuing traffic.

[@roodick85]

I love the cruise control it's near perfect and dummy friendly lol

[@dg115]

I've just swapped my 30 kWh acenta to a 40 kWh n connector in this colour. Very useful video for my wife, just need a set of go green autos number plates to finish it off.

[@davidnicholson6901]

Excellent run-down on EV driving. Much of the information is not just specific to the Leaf. I have a Subaru Solterra and your explanations apply to this vehicle too. I have learned a lot from your video (I have watched many and your production is the best I have seen). Many thanks.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Thank you so much

[@martynlewis9020]

Learnt so much more about the Leaf by watching this video than a trip for a test drive to my local dealership, thanks 🙏

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MalickDoucoureYT]

Amazing video! Thank you very much for teaching us the basics of the leaf. I have this exact model so this was so useful for me as both a first-time driver and a first-time car owner.

[@dominicrich7072]

Great video thanks Matt, just got my Leaf and there are a bewildering number of things to learn when first going electric! This really simplifies it. Now I have to work out how to do the media stuff too ;-)

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it helped.

[@bretgross3379]

Outstanding. Lots of useful information - thanks!

[@davidlowe7217]

Well done and very informative. Thanks. I’m actually interested in purchasing an EV and the Leaf looks quite nice.

[@pamelafayesmith1130]

Thankyou for this revue. I have just taken delivery of a Leaf and this is the best review I have seen

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it was helpful

[@arianerupp8404]

Hello from Germany! I am really excited about my Leaf, hope it will arrive in May. Thanks for the advice about the little green light when you start the engine.

[@TaylorStephens206]

Thank you for this video! I just bought a 2018 leaf sl as my first ev so this was very helpful!

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it helped!

[@TheTubeinspector]

Thank you and congratulation on such a clear and informative video for even a complete EV newbie like me.I am not a car enthusiast but thinking of getting a Leaf to reduce the emissions.I find all the new technology a bit daunting but am reassured after watching your excellent video.I also gain a lot of useful informations after reading all the comments below.Thank you to all concerned.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it helped. Also consider an Hyundai Ioniq 38kWh. They're a better EV. Plenty of videos on the channel, including a "new users" video like this.

[@christinagernerarnsfelt5941]

Best Nissan Leaf tutorial ever! Thanks a lot!!! 🙂

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it was helpful

[@rafaelmacas]

Thanks for the excellent video! Extremely helpful!

[@marcwhite7733]

Just bought mt first EV, a 2nd hand 40KW Leaf.I found this video just perfect.Loving the one pedal mode.Fab car!

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad you found it useful. Yes strong regen is great and one of the things you really miss if you drive an ICE vehicle.

[@tugwellgibson5461]

Im getting a 2021 leaf next week and was worried about the tech and modes. This has been invaluable. Thanks

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it helped

[@stephenjakeman8095]

Excellent video, especially on the different types of charging cables, and preconditioning in winter.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it was helpful

[@carlheffernan6104]

Fantastic video. CR arrives in a few weeks so looking forward. So glad you took the time to do this. Nissan should commission it

[@GoGreenAutos]

Thanks. Glad it helps.

[@ashf5090]

Lol,, I couldn’t find how to move car off!! Crazy handbrake lever! Haha. Thanks for showing! 😊

[@yasminlegrand1893]

Thank you so much for this amazing video

[@AWM9560]

Superb tutorial. Covers all key points. Thanks

[@GoGreenAutos]

You're welcome

[@Lemony1980]

Thank you!!!!! Sooo informative ❤ As a new Leaf owner 🎉

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FoxxxKo]

Thank you so much! This was so helpful

[@nicksawyer5852]

Just ordered Nissan Leaf Tekkna e in flame red. Can’t wait for it to arrive. Ordered it June amd estimated delivery beginning of October.

[@johntucker6073]

Thanks for this, getting mine in two weeks and did not have a clue

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it helped.

[@leepspvideo]

Excellent video! Thank you. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@wonderingworld119]

Thanks for this. I was very confused about what a type 2 charging point was as I thought if I bought a nissan leaf I would not be able to use one, and they seem very common. But this video put me right.

[@joshnullentry4580]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@siebedom]

Thanks, this video was really clear. Going for a test ride with a Nissan Leaf tomorrow. First time driving an electric vehicle.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it helped

[@ObiePaddles]

Did you buy?

[@simonzhao181]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@irfk4173]

Excellent, thanks for the video. Ordered mi e for next week

[@MidnightAspec]

Great information. Thank you.

[@faisalpasha5800]

I have been using E padel for the last two years, and I have been driving almost 200 km daily in the city. I hardly use break padle. It's one of the best features. Even in snow and winter it is amazing.

[@martinkesson4443]

Very good explanation, thanks.

[@johnnyfiveglasgowuk]

Great video very useful 👌

[@peteowens3033]

Thank you soooooo much! I picked up a used 2019 Nissan LEAF SL plus with only 7,000 miles on it about a week ago. Have figured out a lot of this info from the manuals but you have taught me many more key points with your video. Much appreciated! I have owned a total of about 30 ICE vehicles over the years. Other than an Lectric bike I bought a few months ago this LEAF is my first electric . Love the car!

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it helped

[@rustyshackleferd204]

How much did you pay I'm in the market for one myself. Thanks

[@peteowens3033]

@@rustyshackleferd204 Probably too much. LOL. But was the lowest mileage Certified Preowned late model with the SL package and the larger battery option I could find. Was also the exact color I was looking for. The quoted price was $26,888 but my final price out the door was around 31K because I had them include both an extended power chain warranty and a Nissan bumper to bumper for everything else for almost 5 more year or up to 100,000 miles. Those are on top of the Nissan battery warranty that is still in place.

[@paulgrayshon1424]

Good video keep it up found out lots of things going to buy one now cheers

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it helped

[@anthonydevono8833]

I’m thinking of getting my first ev and the leaf is probably going to be the car I get I was interested in the drive and braking explanation as this seems to be confusing part of ev ownership but I think it will just take practice great video

[@fredherfst8148]

Had our 2019 SV 40kwh for 2 years now. 1. Luxury driving. We luv this car. Racing around in it would be an insult. It demands relaxed driving. Great in snow. Sometimes too intelligent! Just learned today that if the car doesn't beep when you lock it…the trunk lid may not have latched 😁 Took us several months to figure out B mode😁. We can power our fridge and some lights for a few days too. Cheers… 2. Still learning new things

[@babycham9521]

Thank you you pulled me out a hole at work

[@akf2000]

Great video, my leaf arrives tomorrow and I'm so excited to be leaving ICE. Thanks for the tip about zap map

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad its helped

[@antoniopalmero4063]

I love Go Gween Autos .

[@davemeyers9425]

Thank you, this explains so much!

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it was helpful

[@Silver-st2zq]

Very helpful 👍

[@AdrianVisionM]

Very good video 👏👏👏 Very helpful 😎😎😎

[@michael-ye5ks]

Excellent thanks

[@tonyollivier6958]

this is fabulous! thanks so much

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad you found it useful

[@canhthanhle2542]

thanks for information

[@drivelimitless]

Very informative and helpful.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Thanks

[@DragonWarzone]

Great video 👍

[@GoGreenAutos]

Thanks 👍

[@skaramicke]

11:53 If I'm not mistaken, you also use regen breaking if you just break softly using the break pedal, so you don't have to fiddle with the B mode to add regen when you need to slow down faster. It doesn't engage the break pads until you press harder on the break pedal.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Yes many EVs will increase the motor regen if you use the brakes, but then you're still applying the brakes. They're just standard hydraulic brakes, so the pads are moving.

[@donaldhaldenbaughman5967]

On regeneration the rear brakes engage also..I just found this out after my 1st service my rear brakes have more wear than front brakes

[@stevecagle8002]

Great car !! Love mine

[@morfeasmorfeas8379]

tnx a lot this was amazing and detail !

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it was helpful

[@myrilgalli9680]

We have one love it!

[@antoniopalmero4063]

Mine is exactly the same colour but Tekna , heated seats and wheel also come on when you preheat from the app 👍😁. Such an easy car to live with on a daily basis . Lovin my leaf Tekna.

[@antoniopalmero4063]

I guess that spec is CONNECT .

[@emergencylime]

First time i rented a Leaf from a car share club, i spent the first 15 mins of my 2 hour booking wondering why I couldn’t pull away. Turns out I couldn’t see the handbrake tucked away in the footwell…could’ve done with this video back then 😄

[@wesleyvelroij4837]

12:49 the B Mode is kinda like downshifting with a petrol manual car: I have doing this for 85000km's with my Suzuki Celerio, so I'm used to this driving style. And during test driving the Nissan Leaf, I found out the the B Mode is especially useful if you need to slow down more. So if you need to slow down slowly, than I guess keep it in D mode. But going down a hill, would make sense to shift in B Mode. Just as you would shift into the second gear, of a petrol car to slow down hill.

[@bobdionne4625]

You are a lifesaver

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad you found it useful

[@pennyauburn848]

Fantastic thanks

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad you found it useful.

[@mbaxter22]

I have to say, the user interface was better on the first gen. It had a separate lcd for the speedometer which was positioned just perfectly on your line of sight. It was better than a HUD because it never got washed out in bright lighting.

[@computerbob06]

As far as I know the series 1 and 2 Leaf's could pre-heat/cool the interior without being plugged in and this was not mentioned in the video. I guess it's still the same for the 40/62kwh versions? Things like that are very important for all of us (40% of UK residents) who don't have off-road parking and so will never be able to do this while charging, all important for the future uptake of BEV's. I think it only uses between 1.5 to 3% of the traction battery anyway! I'm also guessing, the Vehicle to Grid is still a feature of the bigger batteried Leaf's? Would've been useful for all those without power after Storm Arwen lately!

[@soloked]

Thank you for the video! I want to mention that leaf owners should try switching off the setting Active Trace Control. I was surprised how poorly the Leaf handled at higher speed(between 60 and 80mph) going around a corner especially on an uneven road. The car felt like it had low tires or soft suspension and would wobble back and forth after going over a dip in the road. I tried turning off Active Trace Control and car performs much more stable and predictable at higher speeds. I have a 2018 Leaf, so I'm not sure if they have fine tuned the newer models but definitely made a huge difference for me.

[@mrsqueaksqueak8686]

When buying a second-hand leaf, is there a way we can tell if the vehicle has been parked correctly with the parking brake properly applied, or sloppily without and harming the transmission?

[@jtsavola]

Thank You!

[@GoGreenAutos]

You're welcome!

[@mustafanajeeb7859]

Great Nissan.

[@chrisjuschka2434]

very helpfull for newby

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad you think so!

[@eminemet3599]

Hi I just got Nissan Leaf 2018 lat week have u got an idea how to fold the mirror automatically? Thanks so much

[@naturalbamagirl]

It took me one day to get use to ePedal with no previous electric vehicles. If it’s too slow just press the accelerator a little. Wasn’t a big deal to me.

[@jpadilla0515]

I just got a used 2018 leaf 40kw n barely learning about B mode got e pedal down tho 😆

[@garyrobinson9527]

Great video, Thanks. I have just got my leaf and enjoying the ride. One problem I have is, when stopping in traffic or long changing lights do I keep the foot on the brake. If releasing the foot the car creeps forward..Is the foot break drawing charge from the 40 kw battery or 12 volt battery ?? Is it best to put the car in neutral then apply the park switch.....

[@GoGreenAutos]

Just keep your foot on the brakes or use Auto Hold if your vehicle has that function.

[@Tanya_Rich_Actor]

Amazing video, Thankyou! A few questions: 1. Looking at buying a 2021 leaf (standard, not e+) and wondering if everything you’re explaining re auto heating or setting the car to warm up via a timer before you get in etc - are all still features of a 2021 model? Because the heating system in this video looks very different to a 2021 which has physical knobs and air vents to adjust temperature etc. (I’m from Australia) 2. Does extreme weather temperatures really affect the battery health quite significantly? 3. Given that all electric functions do take from the main battery source, is it still more economical to use the heated seats rather than the air vents? Thankyou again, really helpful video.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Different models & markets can have different heater controls. But I think they all have pre-conditioning, but achieved in a different way. Extreme weather can affect the battery. Cold reduced range, but extreme heat isn't good for the battery. The Leaf doesn't have a water cooled battery, so maybe not the best EV for hot climates like Australia. It is far more economical to use the heated seats and heated steering wheel. That is why EVs have this equipment fitted, whereas often it was only the top spec ICE vehicles would have these. These use the 12V battery, not the HV battery so no loss in range. The 12V is charged from the HV battery though, but has minimal effect.

[@dotnetdevni]

Cant wait getting my 62 kw in gun metal gray ;-_) I think its ironic the symbol on dash still looks like a fuel pump lol

[@jamescruz4846]

How do you turn off the back up beeping when it’s in reverse?

[@sithabelamandlawenkosiwodu6298]

I've burnt my owner's manual. Thanks!

[@seemaleema1]

Excellent info. The only thing I would add is that the true winter range is substantially lower in the Canadian winter. I'm picking up my Leaf tomorrow, and all my research and anecdotal conversations indicate the winter range to be as low as 50 miles (or 80 km) when the temperature drops to between -22C and -30C. As these are normal winter temps for at least 3 months of the year, it's important to know that any driver needs to plan their driving routes and recharge stations in winter.

[@epicwave7060]

Thank you !! From Sweden and have only found info with temps around -1

[@SteveHiemstraAKAspeg]

Where are you where normal temps are -22 -30? Canada is a big place. Here in Ottawa we were barely below -10 this winter. Typically we see -20 and below at night, when the car will be snuggled up in the charger anyway.

[@cshawn8011]

I can speak english, but i can´t understand Britans!XD Anyway, nice video! Thanks a lot!

[@xezzee]

I LOVE reading the comments from e-vehicles at the moment ... Nissan Leaf gets to much different reactions from people saying "it sucks" and "the best thing!" Not sure if I should save ~10 000€ and buy Nissan Leaf Tekna over Tesla Model 3 .... the 360 parking camera view looks really useful but a lot of people skip that when compering Nissan Leave to stuff like Tesla Model 3, VW id3 or others ... also when compering it seems people use the cheapest version and don't even consider mentioning Tekna ... I would LOVE to see other people comment "Well VW has id 4 as well BMW i4 and Tesla model S ......." More options I get better I feel about my choice as there are so many things ... In the end, probably gonna take Nissan Leaf E+ Tekna with parking feature over others but I want to find 10 or so e-cars less than 50 000€ which Tesla Model 3 didn't make for :D that fucker was around 54 000€ around here lol .... import and other stuff ...

[@yvettie7833]

2018 Nassan Electro-RQ/Electro-RQ+ 40 kilowatt per hour (40 kW/h) EV mode: Ready to go Game: North Dakota