As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, drivers are encountering new dashboard icons specific to electric cars. However, for many British drivers - particularly those accustomed to traditional petrol or diesel engines - these EV-specific symbols can be a bit of a mystery.

At BYD we’ve been at the forefront of electric mobility for over two decades, developing cutting-edge technologies like the Blade Battery and Dual-mode hybrid power.

Understanding EV technology and dashboard icons is key to the transition from traditional cars to electric vehicles. So, we surveyed the UK to gauge how well people recognise these EV icons to spot the gaps in knowledge.

The results reveal that while some icons are familiar to the general public, others remain widely misunderstood.

So, just how many Brits could identify electric car dashboard icons? These are the most and least recognised EV icons:

The low battery light is the most recognised EV symbol, with 39% of respondents identifying it. This icon is often similar to the low-fuel warning light seen in traditional petrol or diesel cars, so it’s not so surprising Brits could recognise this one the most.

In an internal combustion engine (ICE) car, this notifies the driver they’re low on fuel. In an EV, however, this means low battery, telling the driver they should recharge soon.

The battery temperature warning icon was recognised by 26% of respondents, making it the second most recognised EV icon. This symbol alerts drivers to overheating in the EV’s battery. Overheating is not something most people associate with ICE cars, so this warning might be unfamiliar to drivers. Excessive heat can affect the battery’s performance, and can cause long-term damage if not addressed.

The optimal temperature for an EV battery is 15-35OC, so it’s a good idea to keep the car in the shade during extremely hot days. Most electric cars have handy temperature features to keep the battery cool. For example, BYD’s leading technology the e-Platform 3.0 - featured in the BYD SEALION 7 and ATTO 3, is equipped with an intelligent thermal management system. This technology ensures the battery pack’s temperature is always within the optimal range.

The third most recognised icon is the limited power symbol. 21% of Brits could recognise this icon. The limited power icon is in the shape of a tortoise, and given that tortoises are slow-moving, this alerts drivers that the vehicle’s power has been reduced.

The symbol might baffle some drivers, as it doesn’t appear in traditional cars - and it’s represented by a tortoise icon, which might add to the confusion.

Limited power is usually part of the car’s energy-saving mode, to conserve energy if the battery is running low.

BYD vehicles are equipped with energy-efficient driving modes that extend range without compromising performance. For instance, the ATTO 3 has been given a five-star rating in green NCAP tests, which is Europe’s leading energy-efficiency and greenhouse test for cars. The ATTO 3 even scored well in cold and warm lab tests, illustrating that the vehicle has good energy efficiency even in those conditions.

Only 17% of Brits could identify the serious electric fault icon, which signals an issue with the EV’s electrical system. The issue is much like the EV’s equivalent of a ‘check engine’ light in ICE cars, however, it relates to the electrical components instead of the engine. As electric cars rely on electrical systems, being able to recognise this symbol is critical for EV drivers. If this symbol lights up, you should take your car to a garage as soon as you can.

Regenerative braking is a feature unique to electric and hybrid vehicles, so it may come as no surprise that this icon is the least recognised. Just 13% of those surveyed could identify the icon. Regenerative braking is a way to recoup energy from braking, that is then returned to the battery. In turn, extending the battery’s range a bit longer before needing to charge.

As you might expect, younger generations such as Gen-Z and millennials are the most knowledgeable on EV symbols.

88% of Gen-Z (people aged 18-24) could recognise at least one EV icon, and millennials (people aged 25-34) aren’t far behind at 82%. Awareness could be attributed to younger generations’ familiarity and comfort with new technology.

Studies have shown that Millennials and Gen Z are the most eco-conscious, with 94% and 93%, respectively, prioritising eco-friendly products. This environmental awareness may help to explain their strong familiarity with EVs.

London leads the way for EV know-how. 81% of Londoners could recognise any EV icon. London has the highest number of EVs at 116,560. However, compared to the city’s population this works out at 13.09 EVs per 1,000 residents.

Following in second place is Aberdeen. 78% of residents in Aberdeen could recognise any EV icon. Aberdeen has a slightly higher number of EVs per 1,000 people at 13.49 registered electric cars.

In third place for EV icon recognition is Belfast. 74% of drivers in this city could recognise any EV icon. Interestingly, Belfast has the most registered EVs compared to London and Aberdeen, at 14.5 per 1,000 residents.

Electric car dashboard symbols often come in various colours, with specific urgency meanings for each colour, much like an ICE car.

Typically, green or blue icons indicate the system or mode is working effectively, like the regenerative braking icon.

Yellow or amber symbols are a cautionary alert or a malfunction, such as limited power or tyre pressure warning.

Red symbols, however, indicate a serious issue that needs immediate attention, such as an extremely low battery level.