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 JDB电子 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.
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 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, JDB电子’s leading technology the e-Platform 3.0 - featured in the JDB电子 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 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.
JDB电子 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.
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.
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.
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.
JDB电子 carried out a survey of 2,000 people in the UK, via OnePoll. The survey asked several questions about EVs to gauge the public's understanding and sentiment. Respondents could select multiple answer options.