Electric vehicles and their dashboard warning lights

Electric vehicles have brought a new range of dashboard warning lights that are unique and specific to battery operated cars. These can be confusing and although many of the EV emergency dashboard lights are similar to those on a petrol or diesel vehicle, there are some new symbols too. Here is our quick guide to EV warning lights.
 

Conventional warning lights and those on electric cars have one thing in common. The colour system which designates the severity of the information being alerted. Red warning lights generally mean an emergency and you need to hightail it to assistance as a matter of urgency. If a red warning light pops up, pull over and seek help. Orange or Amber dashboard icons means that there is an issue which needs attention, but you can still drive the car. Don’t be tempted to ignore the amber light and organize mechanical help as soon as possible. Green lights are just informational. The car is just passively telling you something.

Ready to Drive

This light tells you that your car is turned on. It might seem obvious but as electric vehicles are fairly silent when compared to petrol and diesel cars and vans, the light is often need. In some cases, the car with arrows symbol is replaced with a ‘Go’ or ‘Ready’ icon. If  this green light does not illuminate for you, there could be an problem with the vehicle.

Ready to Drive

This light tells you that your car is turned on. It might seem obvious but as electric vehicles are fairly silent when compared to petrol and diesel cars and vans, the light is often need. In some cases, the car with arrows symbol is replaced with a  ‘Go’ or ‘Ready’ icon. If this green light does not illuminate for you, there could be an problem with the vehicle.

Charging

No prizes for guessing what this means! The plug and cable light tells you that the car is plugged into a charging point and unless the battery is still being charged, you must disconnect it before driving away. No need to panic as you cannot actually drive away while still connected as the drivetrain in the car will automatically disable and you wont be able to start the car. This light will let you know why you cannot start.

Limited Power

This light is less about informing you on local wildlife and more about letting you know that the car is operating on limited power. This amber warning light indicates an issue that is reducing the engine power. This could be low battery power or a fault in the electrical system. It’s an indication that you need to get the car to the garage and it also explains the sluggishness tht you may feel in the driving of the car.

Pedestrian Alert

Most EV cars have a Pedestrian Alert system or an external sound system to warn when pedestrians get to close. The silence of the EV brings its own extra vigilance for walkers and cyclists. If this light comes on, there is a fault in the system, you will need to have it attended to.

Low Battery

Another symbol or flashing emergency light that reminds you of the most obvious. This is the recharge symbol. It means you need to recharge. This is probably the sign that EV motorists will see most often. You now need recharge your EV. This sign will usually illuminate when there is 12% battery left and if not charged, the light will turn red for an urgent warning and begin flashing. You now have just 5% charge left. It is an extra warning light as there is a power reserve indicator which also shows the amount of electricity left and how many kilometres you can safely drive. To make it more confusing, not every vehicle uses this particular symbol. You may also see a half empty battery symbol. While in a hybrid vehicle the ‘battery charge level’ warning light shows the electric part of the engine that will need recharging.

Electrical Fault

This exclamation mark over a car, with an amber illumination is a general fault message that there is a problem with the electrical system, the batteries or with the motor or the electrical wiring. Contact your mechanic and address the problem.

General Fault

This is another ‘General Fault’ message. The spanner lights up to remind you that your car needs a service. You may also get a screen message on the dashboard display screen indicating that a service should be scheduled. The spanner may also mean that there is an issue with the charging system, the 12v battery, the electrical systems or the pedal sensors. It is a message to bring your car to your mechanic.

Severe Fault

This red exclamation mark is an indication that there is a severe fault with the vehicle. The issue may be any one of a number of problems and it may be accompanied by other warning lights. Do not ignore this light. Seek assistance at once.

Serious Electrical Fault

This is another version of the ‘spanner’ general fault sign. Some car manufacturers use this symbol instead. It is a  battery and exclamation mark. When it turns red, it is a serious fault and you need to pull over, stop the car and get the vehicle checked.

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Battery Temperature

When this high temperature sign illuminates red it is a serious issue and you need to stop the car. Overheating in an EV can mean that the cooling system is malfunctioning, and the battery can reach dangerous levels. This could cause a fire or engine failure. Do not drive the car and seek immediate assistance.

Pedestrian Warning

This indicates exactly what you might think. A pedestrian is in the way of the car. It is informational but also urges caution.

The vehicle handbook will always give a good explanation for the warning lights symbols which are relevant to your particular vehicle. Here at Sandyford Motor Centre, our friendly and skilled staff are always on hand to answer questions about safe and secure driving, engine warning lights and all aspects of EV driving.