AS MORE and more motorists switch to electric or hybrid vehicles, they will find they face a bewildering array of new instrument panel warning lights.
And if you are thinking of investing in or have just bought a new electric or hybrid car, it’s important to know what the flashing symbols mean – and what to do.
Fortunately, automotive outfit Leasing Options has created this handy guide with the sign names, explanations and actions required.
Electric Vehicles
1 Ready to Drive:
As there’s no engine noise, this symbol lets you know when the car has started up and you can pull away. If no symbol shows when trying to start your car, call your dealer.
2 Eco Mode:
Usually selected through a drive mode button, this helps you improve the battery’s range by reducing overall performance, including acceleration. Just keep on driving as it is nothing to worry about.
3 Limited Power:
Don’t let this cute little tortoise symbol fool you – it actually indicates that your car potentially has a quite serious issue that is hampering its performance, such as extreme battery temperatures or other electrical issues.
It’s best to head straight to an approved dealer to determine the problem and fix it.
4 Pedestrian Alert:
Near-silent EVs come with an electronic sound that’s broadcast at slow speeds to alert pedestrians to the car’s presence. If this indicator lights up at any other time, it means this feature is faulty. So take your car to the garage.
5 Low Battery:
An electric car will usually tell you that you need more charge once you have about 12 per cent left and then again at five per cent. Recharge the battery as soon as possible.
6 General Fault:
Due to the complexity of EVs, some manufacturers group different problems under one symbol – such as faults with the traction system, pedal sensors and charging system. Follow the display screen instructions.
7 General Electrical Fault:
This could involve various errors such as with the motors, wiring or batteries. The symbol could appear in amber or red depending on how severe the fault is. Take your car to be inspected by an approved dealer/recovery service.
Electric and Hybrid
8 Battery Temperature Warning:
A battery symbol (rather than an engine) will illuminate if the traction battery temperature is too high or the motor is too hot. Pull over and stop immediately.
9 Pedestrian Warning:
The pedestrian warning system helps to prevent accidents occurring by alerting the driver to the imminent danger of a collision and automatically braking if no action is taken. So brake immediately.
Hybrid
10 EV Operation Indicator:
This illuminates when you’re driving in electric-only mode. Just keep on driving normally.
11 E-Mode:
This means the electric driving mode is temporarily unavailable. This happens when hybrid cars are driven more aggressively, and electric power can’t recharge fast enough. Drive at lower speeds and wait for electric power to be restored.
12 Battery Charge Level:
This symbol indicates that the battery is nearly empty and will need charging soon otherwise your car will only be powered by petrol until the charge is restored.
13 Auto-Glide Control Indicator:
This feature reduces deceleration force, allowing the vehicle to coast and enhancing fuel economy. Just continue driving normally.
