EV Dashboard Signs Explained: Complete Guide to Electric Car Warning Lights (2026)
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What Are Electric Car Dashboard Warning Lights?
Similar to petrol or diesel vehicles, electric cars use a colour-coded system for dashboard symbols so drivers can quickly understand what their vehicle is communicating. However, research from The Electric Car Scheme reveals that 80% of drivers aren't clear on what the different colours mean.
Understanding the Colour-Coding System
🔴 Red Warning Lights – Serious issues requiring immediate attention. Pull over safely when red lights appear.
🟡 Amber/Yellow Lights – Problems that need addressing soon but aren't immediately critical. Book a service appointment promptly.
🟢 Green/Blue Lights – Information only. These indicate active features or normal operations with no action required.
How Well Do UK Drivers Know EV Dashboard Symbols?
Despite the UK's growing electric vehicle adoption, only 38% of drivers feel confident identifying EV dashboard symbols. This compares poorly to the 71% who can recognise warning lights in conventional cars.
Even more concerning, just two-fifths (38%) of drivers know that EVs have different dashboard symbols to petrol and diesel vehicles. While some indicators overlap—like brake warnings or tyre pressure alerts—electric cars introduce entirely new symbols related to battery management, charging status, and electrical systems that are crucial for optimising your electric car's performance.
The 9 Most Confusing EV Dashboard Symbols (And What They Mean)
1. What Does the Low Battery Symbol Mean?
This amber warning light is arguably the most important symbol in any electric car. It illuminates when your battery reaches approximately 10% charge, then flashes when you have 5% or less remaining—similar to a phone's low battery warning.
What to do: Find the nearest charging point immediately. Most EVs reduce power output when battery is critically low.
Despite it being one of the most important symbols, a huge 83% of drivers surveyed misidentified this warning sign and over one-third (37%) thought this was the battery charge level warning light. It’s an easy mistake to make though, as the battery charge level symbol will appear in hybrid cars and flash red when the charge is almost empty.
2. What Is the Battery Level Warning (Hybrid Cars)?
Found specifically in hybrid electric vehicles, this red symbol indicates your battery is almost depleted and the vehicle will switch to petrol power until recharged. The red colour signifies urgency compared to the amber low-battery symbol in pure EVs.
What to do: Charge at your earliest convenience to maintain optimal efficiency and continue benefiting from electric driving.
3. What Does "Charger Still Plugged In" Mean?
This frequently misidentified symbol (often confused for low battery) simply indicates you've left the charging cable connected. Your EV's safety systems prevent driving while connected, so this light explains why your car won't start.
What to do: Disconnect the charging cable. This is a safety feature, not a malfunction.
4. What Is the Limited Power (Turtle) Symbol?
Don't be fooled by the cute turtle - this amber symbol indicates a serious performance issue. Your vehicle has entered a limited power mode due to electrical faults, critically low battery, or temperature issues affecting the battery's performance.
What to do: Reduce speed and visit an approved dealer immediately for diagnostics. Continued driving may cause further damage.
5. What Does the Serious Electrical Fault Symbol Indicate?
This red warning (shown as a car with exclamation mark or lightning bolt) indicates critical electrical system problems. This is one dashboard light you absolutely cannot ignore in any electric vehicle.
What to do: Stop driving as soon as safely possible and contact roadside assistance. Continuing to drive risks significant damage to the vehicle's power systems.
6. What Is the Ready to Drive Indicator?
This green symbol simply confirms your EV is powered on and ready to drive - think of it as replacing the sound of a conventional engine starting. Modern electric cars are silent, so this visual confirmation is essential.
What to do: If this light doesn't appear when you press the start button, check that your key fob is inside the vehicle and that all doors are properly closed.
7. What Does the Amber Electrical Fault Symbol Mean?
Unlike its red counterpart, this amber version indicates a less critical electrical issue. While you can continue driving, you should schedule a service appointment soon to prevent the problem from escalating.
What to do: Book a diagnostic check with your dealer or approved service centre within the next few days.
8. What Is the Pedestrian Warning Light?
This active safety feature alerts you to brake when pedestrians are detected in your path. It's particularly useful in electric vehicles due to their silent operation.
Note: Don't confuse this with the pedestrian alert system indicator (car with megaphone), which shows when your EV is broadcasting external sounds to warn pedestrians of your approach.
9. What Does the General Mechanical Issue Symbol Mean?
Half of drivers correctly identify this amber warning, though it's admittedly vague. Manufacturers group various minor issues under this symbol, but your display screen should show a more specific message explaining the exact problem.
What to do: Check your vehicle's information display for details and consult your handbook for guidance specific to your electric car model.
Why Shouldn't You Ignore Dashboard Warning Lights?
A concerning 25% of UK drivers admit to ignoring dashboard warning lights, with EV drivers being the worst offenders at 33% - significantly higher than petrol car drivers (18%).
| Rank | City | % of drivers that admit to ignoring their dashboard warning lights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belfast | 43% |
| 2 | Newcastle | 38% |
| 3 | Norwich | 33% |
| 4 | London | 30% |
| 5 | Liverpool | 30% |
| 6 | Manchester | 29% |
The Real Costs of Ignoring Warning Lights
Worryingly, 74% of UK drivers don't realise that ignoring warning lights can result in:
£2,500 maximum fine for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition
3 penalty points on your licence
Potential driving ban for continued violations
Voided insurance if accidents occur while warning lights are active
Higher repair costs from allowing small issues to escalate
For drivers using electric car salary sacrifice schemes, ignoring warnings could also breach your lease agreement terms, potentially resulting in additional charges.
"No matter what kind of car you drive, it's vital that you understand all of your vehicle's dashboard symbols and warning lights, and act accordingly to make sure you keep yourself and others safe on the roads. Take the time to familiarise yourself with your specific vehicle's warnings—your handbook should always be nearby for quick reference."
— Thom Groot, Co-Founder of The Electric Car Scheme
Quick Action Checklist for EV Dashboard Warnings
See Red Light? → Pull over safely, consult handbook, call for assistance
See Amber Light? → Book service appointment within 1-2 weeks
See Green/Blue Light? → No action needed, informational only
Unsure? → Check vehicle handbook or contact your EV scheme provider
Regular Checks → Review dashboard on startup, address issues promptly
FAQs About Electric Car Dashboard Symbols
What's the most important EV dashboard symbol to know?
The low battery warning (amber light with battery icon) is critical—it indicates you have 10% charge remaining and need to find a charging point immediately. When it flashes, you have 5% or less charge.
Are EV dashboard symbols different from petrol car symbols?
Yes, while some symbols overlap (brakes, tyres, oil), electric vehicles have unique indicators for battery level, charging status, electrical faults, limited power mode, and regenerative braking that don't appear in conventional cars.
Can I drive with an amber warning light on?
Amber lights indicate issues that need addressing soon but aren't immediately critical. You can continue driving cautiously, but should book a service appointment within a few days to prevent the problem escalating.
What happens if I ignore my EV's warning lights?
Beyond safety risks, you could face fines up to £2,500, three penalty points, potential driving bans, voided insurance, and higher repair costs. For salary sacrifice drivers, it may also breach your lease agreement.
Where can I find more information about my specific EV's dashboard symbols?
Your vehicle handbook contains detailed information about all dashboard symbols specific to your model. You can also check the manufacturer's website or contact your electric car scheme provider for guidance.
Do used electric cars have the same dashboard symbols?
Generally yes, though symbols may vary slightly between manufacturers and model years. If you're considering a used EV through salary sacrifice, ensure you receive the owner's manual and familiarise yourself with that specific vehicle's warnings.
What should I do if a dashboard symbol I don't recognise appears?
Pull over safely, consult your handbook, and don't continue driving with an unidentified red warning light. Amber warnings can be looked up before your next journey. Your EV charging apps may also include dashboard symbol guides.
Understanding Your EV for Safer, Smarter Driving
Familiarising yourself with your electric car's dashboard symbols is essential for safe driving, proper vehicle maintenance, and maximising your salary sacrifice benefits. With the UK's electric vehicle adoption accelerating—and the 2030 petrol and diesel ban approaching—understanding EV-specific warnings will soon be essential knowledge for all drivers.
Whether you're new to electric vehicles or considering making the switch through an electric car salary sacrifice scheme, take time to learn your vehicle's language. It could save you money, keep you safer, and help you get the most from your EV experience.
Ready to make the switch to electric? Explore The Electric Car Scheme's salary sacrifice options and save 20-50% on your dream EV with the 2025/26 Benefit-in-Kind rate at just 3%.
Method and sources
A survey was conducted on 1,084 UK drivers aged 17+ in February 2024. Drivers included were EV, petrol, diesel, and hybrid car users.
Sources referenced in the article include:
¹SMMT - UK reaches million EV milestone as new car market grows
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Last updated: 05/01/2026
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