Nissan Leaf Owners Manual | 2025
9.5.2. Manually selectable regenerative braking intensity
When the transmission is in D (Drive) position, regenerative braking intensity can be manually selected from level 1 up to level 4 where level 1 provides the least regenerative braking effect while level 4 provides the most regenerative braking effect.
To reduce the intensity of the regenerative braking, briefly pull the right-side paddle selector (A).
To increase the intensity of the regenerative braking, briefly pull the left-side paddle selector (B).
The default setting is level 2. The current intensity is displayed on the vehicle information display (C) as a number of descending triangles.
When driving down a long downhill, for example, you can increase the intensity of the regenerative braking to achieve an effect similar to "engine braking."
When level 4 of the regenerative braking is chosen, brake lights will illuminate since the vehicle reaches an ordinary braking operation.
Less deceleration is provided by the regenerative brake system when the Li-ion battery has been charged to the limit. Regenerative brake is automatically reduced when the Li-ion battery is charged to the limit to prevent the Li-ion battery from becoming overcharged. Regenerating brake is also automatically reduced when the battery temperature is high/low to prevent Li-ion battery damage.
The regenerative braking intensity cannot be selected manually while the e-Pedal system or the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system is active.
After the EV system has been restarted or whether the e-Pedal system or ICC system is deactivated, the regenerative braking intensity level will be reset to the default — level 2.