If you have recently bought your 1st electric car, or you’re planning to buy one, the vehicle’s dashboard symbols may be something of a mystery. Dashboard symbols on electric cars are different from those on petrol/diesel cars. And while dashboard lights on petrol/diesel cars are standardized across most makes and models, they are less so for electric cars.
Here, EVJoints will help you understand these symbols and keep your vehicle in good condition.
With EV specific dashboard symbols and the new driver assistance technologies (ADAS), the variety of symbols displayed on a car’s dashboard is increasing. EV dashboard symbols can vary slightly across different manufacturers, however, a standardized set of colour codes exists, enabling drivers to understand the issue highlighted on the dashboard. The colour of the light provides an immediate understanding of the issue’s urgency or status.
Just as with petrol/diesel cars, electric car warning lights also follow a colour-coded system:
Green/Blue: System is working as expected. No action is needed.
Yellow: A potential issue which requires attention soon.
Red: A serious fault which requires immediate attention. Stop driving and seek help.
What are the important EV dashboard symbols and what they mean:
Low battery light: The low battery light is the most recognized EV symbol. This icon is often similar to the low-fuel warning light seen in petrol/diesel cars. In a petrol/diesel car, this notifies the driver they’re low on fuel. In an EV, however, this means low battery, telling the driver they should recharge soon.
Battery temperature warning: The battery temperature warning icon alerts drivers to overheating in the EV’s battery.
Limited power: The limited power icon is in the shape of a tortoise, and given that tortoises are slow-moving, this alerts drivers that the vehicle’s power has been reduced. The symbol might confuse some drivers, as it doesn’t appear in petrol/diesel cars.
Serious electric fault: This signals an issue with the EV’s electrical system. The issue is similar to the ‘check engine’ light in petrol/diesel cars, however, it relates to the electrical components instead of the engine. If this symbol lights up, you should take your car to a garage as soon as you can.
Regenerative braking system indicator: Regenerative braking is a feature unique to electric vehicles.
Charger still plugged-in: Many people think this means low battery. However, it’s just a sign that you’ve left the charging cable plugged in. Thankfully, your EV won’t let you drive away while still connected.
Tyre pressure warning: Electric cars are now fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that lets you know when tyre pressure falls. This could happen over time, or it could be because of a puncture.
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Eco mode: If you’re looking to get as many miles out of your vehicle after each charge, you’ll want to drive in eco mode as much as possible. Eco mode is optional, so you should only see this symbol if it’s switched on.
Battery charge level: Battery charge level allows you to monitor how much charge your vehicle has left.
Pedestrian alert: Electric cars feature advanced systems such as cameras, sensors (collectively called ADAS). This alert detects nearby pedestrians. Alternatively, this symbol will light up if there is a problem with the pedestrian alert system too.
More EV dashboard symbols:
Seatbelt reminder: This symbol appears when the driver or a passenger is seated in the vehicle without the seatbelt on.
Airbag warning light: When this light goes red it means that at least one element of the airbag safety system is not working correctly. If the airbag system is not working properly, it may not go off in a crash. So, if this light comes on please get it checked immediately.
Auto glide control: When this turns on, no action is needed. This feature conserves energy by reducing deceleration.
Power steering warning: This warning light indicates a problem with the power steering.
ESP warning light: The Electronic stability problem (ESP) warning light indicates a problem with traction control.
Electrical fault: This warning light lets the driver know that there is a problem with the car’s electrical system. Should this warning light appear, it is important to get it checked.
Conclusion:
Learning to drive a car is not the only important thing. Understanding EV dashboard symbols is also vital for safe driving. You should know all the major warning signals which are beneficial for you and your car’s safety.
For more insights on EVs & EV charging, visit EVGuide by EVJoints.
