Charging a Nissan Leaf is, of course, vital. Recharging the batteries gives you the energy you need to drive.
However, you might want to only start charging the batteries at a specific time. For example, the cheapest hours to use significant electrical draw are typically in the middle of the night.
One way of choosing the charging start time for your Nissan Leaf is to use the charge timer. You could instead use the remote charge start option.
This post will walk you through starting remote charging in the Nissan Leaf using the app.
Table of Contents
How do you use remote charging on the Nissan Leaf
If you want to use remote charging on the Nissan Leaf, you’ll need:
- A compatible smartphone
- The NissanConnect EV Services app
- A registered and verified account
- Your account must be connected to your Leaf’s VIN
How to create an account and connect it to your smartphone
Follow these instructions to create a MyNISSAN account. You can then connect your account to your smartphone and use it for remote starting.
- Go to https://www.nissanusa.com/owners.html.
- This is the MyNISSAN Owner’s Portal.
- Click or tap Register Now.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Enter the VIN and select Validate.
- You’ll find the VIN at the base of the windshield on the dashboard. It’s on the driver’s side.
- Enter your personal details in the user information form.
- Accept the terms and conditions by ticking the box. Then, press Continue.
- Go to My Profile.
- Check your Leaf has been connected to your account under Manage Vehicle Account.
- If it hasn’t, click Enable Connected Services.
How to connect to your Nissan Leaf if you already have an account and app
Fewer steps are involved if you already have a MyNISSAN account and the app downloaded.
- Go to https://www.nissanusa.com/owners.html.
- Sign in by entering your MyNISSAN account details (email address and password).
- Go to My Profile.
- Choose Manage Vehicle Account.
- Click Add Vehicle Account.
- Enter the VIN or registration number.
- If you like, assign a nickname.
- Select Add.
- Check the car has been added to your account under Manage Vehicle Account.
How to download and use the NissanConnect app for Nissan Leaf remote charging
Now that you’ve connected your Nissan Leaf to your MyNISSAN account, you need the app.
Here are links to the free iOS and Google Play applications:
Follow these steps to use the NissanConnect app.
- Download the NissanConnect EV Services app.
- Log in with your MyNISSAN account details.
- Explore the available options, features, and settings.
- For example, you could check the current charge status.
How to activate remote charging on the Nissan Leaf
Follow these steps to start remote charging.
- Your car must be plugged in and not already charging.
- Open the app or go to the web portal.
- Select Charging Start.
- If you have a charge timer active, Charging Start will override it.
Note that there isn’t any option to stop charging from the MyNISSAN app or web portal. The car will continue to charge until it reaches the preset charging limit or 100%.
The only way to stop charging is to set up a charge timer. However, if you’re doing this, you may as well set the start time carefully and avoid using remote charging at all.
Alternative ways to start remote charging on the Nissan Leaf
You could try:
- Setting a charge timer
- Purchasing a JuiceBox charger
Some Nissan Leaf owners purchase a JuiceBox charger.
This comes with a connected app. It isn’t an official Nissan product, but many owners recommend it. Using this product, you can start and stop charging whenever you like.
Having said that, the JuicePass app – the one connected to the charger – has poor reviews.
It’s best to stick with the official Nissan products.
See a PDF from the owner’s manual below.
