You press the start button on your electric or hybrid car, the car makes little or no sound, and the word READY appears on the dashboard. For drivers switching from a conventional petrol or diesel car to an electric or hybrid vehicle for the first time, this moment can be genuinely confusing. Is the car on? Is it safe to drive? Did something go wrong because it made no noise? This guide explains exactly what the EV Ready Indicator or READY indicator means, what happens during the startup sequence, and what to do if the car does not reach the READY state.
What Does the EV Ready Indicator Look Like
The EV Ready indicator is usually displayed as the word READY in green text on the instrument cluster or the main display screen. On some vehicles, it may show as a green power symbol, a green circle with a tick, or a green indicator light alongside a power or leaf symbol.
On Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles, the READY light appears as a green indicator in the instrument cluster and is one of the primary confirmations that the vehicle is prepared to drive. On Nissan, Renault, and other electric vehicle brands, the word READY typically appears prominently in the centre of the instrument display. On Tesla vehicles, no specific READY indicator is shown as the car wakes up and is ready to drive immediately when the driver enters and touches the brake.
The colour is almost always green, consistent with the convention that green indicators represent a system that is on and functioning normally.
What the READY Indicator Actually Means
The READY indicator means the vehicle has completed its startup self-check sequence and all drive systems are confirmed as operational. The car is ready to be driven.
In a conventional petrol or diesel car, you know the engine has started because you hear and feel it start. In an electric vehicle or a hybrid operating in electric-only mode, the electric motor makes almost no sound at idle. The READY indicator is the visual confirmation that takes the place of the startup sound, telling the driver that the car is on and prepared to move.
Without the READY indicator, a new EV or hybrid driver might not know whether their attempt to start the car was successful. The READY light is specifically designed to solve this confusion.
What Happens During the EV Startup Sequence
When you press the brake pedal and press the start button on an electric or hybrid vehicle, the car goes through a startup self-check that takes only a few seconds.
The 12-volt auxiliary battery, which powers the car’s electronics, activates first. The main computer and vehicle control modules wake up and begin their self-check routines. The battery management system checks the state and health of the high-voltage traction battery. The motor control unit checks the electric motor and inverter systems. On hybrid vehicles, the engine management system also checks the petrol engine systems.
When all systems have been confirmed as ready, the READY indicator illuminates. On most electric vehicles, this sequence takes approximately two to five seconds. On some cold days when the battery needs time to pre-condition, it may take slightly longer.
Why There Is No Engine Sound on an Electric Vehicle
This is the most common point of confusion for first-time EV and hybrid drivers and is directly related to why the READY indicator exists.
In a petrol or diesel car, the internal combustion engine produces significant sound and vibration when it fires. This is the confirmation that the car has started and is ready to drive.
In a fully electric vehicle, there is no combustion engine. The electric motor is nearly silent at rest and only produces a quiet whirr during driving. When the car is stationary with the READY indicator lit, there may be almost no sound at all. Some modern electric vehicles produce a very quiet startup chime or a brief sound from the speakers to help new drivers recognise that the car is ready, but this varies by brand.
In a hybrid vehicle operating in electric-only mode at startup, the same situation applies. The petrol engine may not start immediately if the battery charge is sufficient and the weather is warm enough. The car is ready to drive using the electric motor alone, with no engine running.
READY Indicator on Hybrid vs Full Electric Vehicles
Full Electric Vehicle In a full EV, READY means the electric drive system is active, and the car can be driven. No petrol engine is involved at any point. The car moves exclusively on battery power until the charge is depleted, at which point the car stops.
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle In a plug-in hybrid, READY means the car is prepared to drive and will use electric power first. When the battery depletes or when higher power demand requires it, the petrol engine starts automatically. The driver may notice the engine starting during a journey, which is normal.
Standard Hybrid Vehicle In a non-plug-in hybrid such as a Toyota Prius or Yaris Hybrid, READY means the car is prepared to drive. The system manages the petrol engine and electric motor automatically based on speed, battery state, and power demand. At very low speeds and when the battery is adequately charged, the car moves on electric power alone. At higher speeds or under heavy acceleration, the petrol engine starts and assists. The driver does not manually select between these modes.
Common Reasons the Car Does Not Reach READY
Foot Not on Brake Pedal When Pressing Start On most electric and hybrid vehicles, the driver must have their foot firmly on the brake pedal while pressing the start button for the startup sequence to begin. If the brake is not depressed, the car will not reach READY. This is the most common reason new EV drivers think something is wrong.
Key or Fob Not Detected. If the car cannot detect the key fob inside the cabin, it will not complete the startup sequence. The key not detected or immobilizer warning may appear instead of READY. Ensure the key fob is inside the car and try holding it near the start button.
High-Voltage Battery Fault If the battery management system detects a fault in the high-voltage traction battery during the startup check, the car will not reach READY, and a battery fault warning will appear. This requires a dealer inspection.
Charging Cable Still Connected On plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, the car will not enter the READY state and move if the charging cable is still connected to the car. The cable locks in place to prevent drive-away while plugged in. Disconnect the cable first.
Very Low Battery Charge On some electric vehicles, if the battery charge is critically low, the car may refuse to complete the startup and will display a low battery warning instead of READY. Charge the vehicle before attempting to drive.
System or Module Fault: A fault in any of the systems checked during startup, including the motor controller, inverter, or thermal management system, can prevent the car from reaching READY. A fault code will be stored in the system, and a diagnostic scan at a dealer will identify the specific issue.
Extreme Cold Temperatures In very cold weather, the battery management system may need to warm the battery to a minimum operating temperature before allowing full drive capability. The car may take longer than usual to reach READY or may reach a limited READY state with reduced power until the battery reaches its normal operating temperature.
What To Do If the Car Does Not Go to READY
Step 1: Check that your foot is firmly on the brake pedal and press the start button again.
Step 2: Check that the key fob is inside the car. Move it closer to the start button area.
Step 3: Check that the charging cable is disconnected and that the charge port is closed.
Step 4: Check the battery charge level on the display. If it is critically low, the car needs to be charged before it can be driven.
Step 5: If any warning symbols have appeared alongside the failure to reach READY, note them and consult the car manual or a dealer for the specific fault.
Step 6: If no obvious cause is identifiable and the car consistently refuses to reach READY, contact your dealer. Do not attempt to drive the car until the fault is diagnosed.
Can You Drive Without the READY Indicator
No. If the READY indicator has not appeared, the car has not completed its startup sequence, and the drive system is not active. Attempting to select a drive gear without READY will not move. The car must display READY before it will respond to the accelerator.
Quick Summary
What | Detail |
Indicator Color | Green |
Display | READY text, green power symbol, or green tick depending on the brand |
Meaning | All drive systems checked and confirmed, the car is ready to move |
Replaces | Engine startup sound from petrol or diesel cars |
Not READY Common Cause | Foot not on brake, key not detected, cable still connected |
Action if Not READY | Check brake, key, cable, battery level, and fault warnings |
Related Indicators
These indicators are all part of the hybrid and electric vehicle system:
- Battery Charge Level Indicator – State of charge and battery management explained
- Regenerative Braking Indicator – Energy recovery during braking in EV and hybrid
- Charging Cable Connected Indicator – Charge connection status and drive lockout
- Key Not Detected Warning – Key fob detection fault preventing startup
This page is part of our complete guide to car dashboard symbols and meanings. To see every warning light explained in one place, visit our Car Dashboard Symbols homepage.