The turtle symbol on an EV: reduced power, not a fault

What the warning actually means

The symbol is a turtle. The car is telling you it is delivering less than usual, and the most common reasons are a low state of charge or the temperature of the traction battery.

How the turtle protects the battery

The car limits power on purpose to protect itself when the state of charge is very low, when the battery is cold or very hot, or after hard driving or a long climb. It usually clears by itself: if the battery is cold, power returns as it warms up.

Common causes

• A very low state of charge
• A cold or very hot battery
• Protection after hard driving or a long climb

What to do now

1. Charge the car if the state of charge is low.
2. If the battery is cold, power returns as it warms up.
3. Precondition the car while it is plugged in, so the heat comes from the grid.

What people often get wrong

That the turtle is a fault. It is a state: the car limits power on purpose to protect itself, and it usually clears by itself.

When the car must go to a workshop

If the turtle appears on a full charge at normal temperature, or alongside other warnings, the car should be checked.

Read next

• The EV will not wake up: usually the small battery, not the big one
• Red high-voltage warning on an EV: stop and call
• Your check engine light isn't random
• EV range in cold weather: why it drops, and what helps

This page is general information and does not replace a professional assessment. Symbols, codes and behaviour vary between makes. Always check the handbook for your own car.