Exact icons and wording vary between manufacturers, but most EV dashboards group warnings into the same rough categories. Here's what each colour and type generally means — always follow your own handbook and any on-screen message first, since it knows your specific car.
Red — stop or pull over
- High-voltage / EV system warning: points to a fault in the electric drivetrain or high-voltage system itself, not just a minor accessory issue. If it's red and paired with a "do not drive" message, stop safely and call roadside assistance rather than continuing.
- 12V battery / charging system warning: the small conventional battery that runs the car's computers, lights, and safety systems has failed or is failing — even with a full main battery, the car can refuse to operate properly. Get to safety and arrange service promptly.
Amber — get it checked soon
- "Service the EV system soon": a general alert rather than an immediate stop signal — usually safe to continue driving gently, but book a check-up and note any unusual noises or behaviour in the meantime.
- Temperature warning: the battery, inverter, or motor is running hotter than normal — most common during DC rapid charging or hard, sustained driving. Ease off, stop rapid charging if that's what triggered it, and let things cool down.
Not urgent — informational
- READY light: simply confirms the high-voltage system is live and the car will move as soon as you select Drive or Reverse — completely normal, appears every time you start the car.
- Turtle / reduced power mode: the car has deliberately limited power — usually triggered by a very low battery or a thermal protection response. Move over, avoid hard acceleration, and get it looked at if it happens with plenty of charge remaining (rather than near empty, which is expected).
- Plug/charging status icon: confirms a charging connection — a solid (non-flashing) icon can mean plugged in but not yet actively charging, so check the screen for an actual "Charging" status before you walk away.
This page groups warnings by rough category to help you judge urgency — it isn't a substitute for your specific car's handbook, and exact icons, thresholds, and wording differ by manufacturer. If in doubt, treat any red warning as serious and any message telling you to stop driving as one to follow immediately.