EV Charging Indicator Symbols

EV Charging

These are EV Charging Indicator symbols used in electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The indicators, the first of which look like a typical electric plug, will be illuminated or blinking while the vehicle’s main battery is being charged and will turn off when it is fully charged.

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Seen in red it can indicate that the car is simply plugged in or can indicate a charge fault, depending on the manufacturer (Dodge uses it as a fault indicator, for instance). Please consult the owner’s manual. Yellow/amber/orange always indicates a problem that must be addressed. Anything from being improperly connected to an issue with the charger.

Any indicator that flashes says that there is a problem. Check that the cable is properly connected.

Green states that the vehicle is charging properly. In white, the indicator states that a charge is initiating or paused. Again, depending on the manufacturer, any of these indicators may also flash.

Maserati

Maserati decided to make their own set of of indicators (left). Red indicates a fault in the charging process. In yellow/amber/orange indicator is there to say don’t drive off! In green,  it simply says the car is plugged in and awaiting a charge.

Minor variations include color (red, yellow/amber, green or black and white) and wire style or the use of the word CHARGE or the short CHG version. A charge level indicator may also be shown on the instrument panel. The red and yellow/amber versions are intended to ensure that no attempt is made to drive the vehicle away while it is still plugged in.

Lincoln

This pair of symbols is from Lincoln. The first in green indicates that charging is ongoing. The second in yellow/amber/orange indicates that charging has failed. The exclamation point is there for added emphasis. If the second indicator flashes for 30 seconds, it indicates that the problem with the charge is exterior to the vehicle.

Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC

While these companies use many of the first symbols shown on the page, they are the first we’ve found to indicate that a charge cord is locked, which is what the symbol to the left is about. The padlock is a dead give away.

Finally, some hybrid vehicles include a SAVE mode indicator. When in Save mode, the vehicle drives in a way that maintains the charge level of the high voltage battery. The indicator will likely be shown in black and white in the information display.

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The information on this website is provided 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.

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.

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.

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