As motorists get back behind the wheel with the end of containment, Nissan has designed the EV Driver’s Guide, a unique manual for drivers of 100% electric vehicles.
Drawing on Nissan’s expertise, the pocket guide is designed to provide simple, reassuring advice to drivers of 100% electric vehicles, whether they are beginners or experienced.
It is part of the current context where European drivers are getting back behind the wheel after the recent period linked to the health crisis. It also marks the 68.4% increase in sales of electric cars between January and April 2020 in Europe compared to the same period in 2019.
The Nissan EV Driver’s Guide compiles a series of simple but sensible tips carefully designed to help electric car drivers get more out of their vehicle. It covers a wide range of scenarios for daily driving of a 100% electric vehicle, from a checklist to optimizing recharging and parking.
The electrified driving experience is constantly evolving as the technology and the fleet develops, so the established traditional driving rules do not always lend themselves to the habits of drivers of 100% electric cars.
— Brice Fabry, Zero Emission Ecosystem Program Manager, Nissan Europe
“Attitudes towards individual mobility are changing rapidly. It is crucial that we make driving enjoyable for all drivers, as we increasingly embrace electric mobility and help each other move in that direction,” added Mr. Fabry.
The key principles in the Nissan EV Driver Guide
1.Thinking of other electric car users
Do not disconnect the electric car from other conductors when it is being charged at public terminals.
If you are lucky enough to have a charging point at home, offer your neighbor the possibility of charging his vehicle, taking into account safety measures. It is essential that we all continue to be caring with each other.
88% of people give priority to recharging at home. Sharing your charging point when needed can, therefore, be very useful and helpful.
2. Sharing is caring for others
Help others by sharing your own tips about public charging stations or use the applications and forums to share your tips with other electric car drivers.
With the Nissan Charge application, you can help all-electric car users by showing them the location of active charging points and helping them plan long journeys easily.
3. Watch out for parking
Just as you avoid parking in front of a petrol pump, don’t bother other drivers who don’t park in front of an electric car charging station if you don’t intend to use the charger. Drivers of electric cars need their own places to charge their vehicles.
If you need to recharge your electric car, pay attention and think about the charging time. At a public rapid charging station, you can charge the Nissan LEAF 40 kWh and Nissan LEAF e+ 62 kWh from 20 to 80% in 60 to 90 minutes respectively.
4. Take care of your battery
Avoid leaving your electric vehicle with a low charge for a long period of time. This is to preserve battery capacity and minimize the impact on range. If possible, park in a closed and temperate area.
5. Plan your refill
If you’re planning a long trip, plan your route and use the mapping services or the dedicated Nissan application to see available charging points along the way.
6. If you don’t need a lot of energy, leave a message.
If you don’t need to charge your vehicle for a very long time at a public charging station, why not leave a note on your car windshield or on the terminal for the next electric car drivers? This is to let them know what time you expect to return to pick up your car.
7. Check your tires and driving parameters
To optimize fuel efficiency, activate the Nissan LEAF’s B and ECO modes. And make sure your tires are properly inflated, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can improve the efficiency of your electric car with these few reflexes. Choosing the appropriate driving style is essential.
With the Nissan LEAF, you also benefit from e-Pedal technology, available as standard across the entire Nissan LEAF range. This allows you to accelerate, decelerate, brake, and stop using only the accelerator pedal.
8. Explore the range of charging options available
An electric car is inactive for 20 hours every day, so take advantage of this opportunity.
Whether it’s a public quick-charge station, a wall box, or a standard household socket, you can effortlessly charge your electric car wherever you have access to electric power – just like your smartphone.
9. Take care of public charging points
Just as you would take care of your charging solutions at home, take care of the public charging infrastructure so that it works smoothly and quickly so that everyone can easily use it.
Nissan Leaf: 100% electric mobility
Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the Nissan LEAF benefits from Nissan’s expertise and technological innovation in 100% electric vehicles.
The Nissan LEAF is the embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility and features a range of driver assistance technologies.
These include E-Pedal technology, available as standard across the entire Nissan LEAF line-up, which allows you to accelerate, slow down, brake and stop using only the accelerator pedal. The brake pedal remains functional when needed.
The E-Pedal’s improved responsiveness creates an even smoother driving experience and gives the driver maximum control.
Also available in the Nissan LEAF, ProPILOT power steering technology works on the fast lane. It allows you to control the direction, keep the vehicle in line, maintain distance from the vehicle in front, including in traffic jams.
If the vehicle in front stops, the Nissan LEAF will also stop. If the shutdown lasts less than three seconds, the Nissan LEAF will also restart automatically. This system makes driving easier and reduces driver stress and fatigue.
Nissan ProPILOT technology works in the fast lane. The advanced technology extends to the latest NissanConnect infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone use onboard.
The complete Nissan EV Driver’s Guide is available online.