Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

EV Mode Indicators

This and the images that follow below are Hybrid EV Mode Indicator symbols. They are related to the operational state of a hybrid vehicle. The first two indicate that the EV Mode is switched on and operating when in green, but is unavailable when shown in gray scale. Availability depends on factors such as the state of the battery’s charge, outside temperature, vehicle speed, etc., depending on manufacturer.

• Before moving on, is one of these truly your symbol??
• If not, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The same basic image as above with a line drawn through it indicates that EV mode is not available, again because the proper conditions are not met. It may also mean that a destination may have been chosen in navigation that exceeds the hybrid battery range.

The text only symbol, eDRIVE, is found in hybrid systems that switch between using the internal combustion engine, the high voltage battery, or a combination of both automatically when conditions warrant. It will be displayed when the vehicle is under battery power alone.

This text only symbol, eBoost, will be displayed when a hybrid vehicle is under extreme acceleration, such as in passing situations. It indicates that the high voltage battery is in full use to support or Boost the acceleration.

This symbol, also in black and white features a drawing of an internal combustion (IC) engine with an embedded circular arrow. It indicates that the hybrid vehicle is operating on the IC engine alone.

This image indicates that use of the high voltage battery is on hold. The vehicle will operate using the IC engine predominantly in order to maintain the charge level in the high voltage battery. It too is in black and white.

These two are related as they both indicate that hybrid operation is in automatic mode. The second adds a slightly misshapen triangle underneath which indicates that the navigation system is active and that navigation data is being taken into consideration.

This set of indicators come from Honda Motors Corp. found in their Hybrid vehicles: Auto Mode, Charge Mode, and EV mode. In Auto Mode, the vehicle selects which propulsion source is most appropriate, the electric motor, the gasoline engine, or a combination of the two and automatically switches to it. In Charge Mode, the engine starts and the High Voltage battery charges. In EV mode, the vehicle is propelled exclusively by the electric motor, so long as the battery has sufficient charge. And to the extent of battery charge, these modes can be chosen at will by the driver.

These final three images are associated with what is termed a Mild Hybrid System, which uses a smaller, 48-volt battery to assist the driveline. The first image is displayed when the battery is supplying power. The second indicates that the battery is supporting high acceleration. The third image indicates that power from the mild hybrid system is unavailable.

The images are truly meaningless without explanatory text. A knobby outside circle with another circle inside? And what do the two lines top right and the three bent ones lower left mean? The last one is essentially a cross out and is the only one of any use — if you already know the meaning of the first two!

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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.

Marc Favreau

The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY