EV, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Battery Charge and Warning Symbols

EV Battery Warnings

These are the EV (Electric Vehicle), Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Battery Charge and Warning symbols. The first light indicates a malfunction in an electrified vehicle’s main battery, which must be serviced by your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible. It is distinguished from the Charging System Warning symbol with the addition of the word Main under the image of a more typical battery, or by the addition of the exclamation point, and points to a system failure rather than a charging failure. Seen in yellow/amber/orange and as a household battery or as the triple car battery, its time to charge.

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Many, Many More Versions

This version essentially points to a total system failure, unless it is seen in yellow/amber. The battery image with the line running through it indicates that the hybrid battery will not take a charge and the entire propulsion system will be shut down. The vehicle will need a qualified service shop and require a tow. However, in yellow/amber, the manufacturer suggests to make see a qualified shop “if the problem persists!”

This version, shown in the vehicle’s information display, will be seen when the Mild Hybrid System is charging its battery. a Mild Hybrid System uses a 48-volt battery to assist the drive train, much lower capacity than the majority of hybrid systems. It appears as a double A battery with a lightning bolt inside.

These two will also to be seen in the vehicle’s information display. The first indicates the hybrid battery is charging. The other indicates that the battery is holding its charge. We surmise that this means that everything is functioning as expected.

This is a hybrid Charge Mode indicator. The light in the instrument cluster comes on when Charge Mode is switched on. While a hybrid charges its high-voltage battery automatically, with this system from Mazda, the vehicle can be told to charge the battery only and not using its power while the gasoline engine is running. Power is generated to a preset target amount, and when reached, power is generated to maintain it.

This is a High Voltage System Fault Indicator symbol for a Plug-in hybrid. An exclamation point is shown in a drawing of what looks like a D battery, which is meant to invoke the system’s battery. It could also be described as a box or a rectangle. It is likely that only the vehicle dealer can correct a problem with this system.

We found this one in the owner’s manual for two hybrids, and only one made clear that this is a hybrid battery malfunction. It was also found in an EV and also in fact indicates a main battery or system malfunction. Also, there will likely be an additional message on the instrument panel. Look for it and please check with your dealer or qualified service shop! Do not continue driving!

Finally, this version is used as a Battery Charge Indicator. It is shown in conjunction with a gauge that shows the actual charge level. It is seen in gray scale and does not indicate any trouble with the system. Click here for more.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.