But with all that information, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially if you’re new to EVs. Fortunately, once you know what each metric means and how to use it, your EV dashboard becomes a valuable tool for driving more efficiently, planning smarter trips, and maximizing your battery life.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key indicators commonly found on EV dashboards and explain how they can help you become a more informed and efficient EV driver.

1. Battery Percentage and Range Estimation

At the core of your EV dashboard is the battery percentage, typically displayed prominently near your digital speedometer or trip data. This tells you how much charge is left in your battery—similar to a fuel gauge in a gas-powered car. However, EVs also offer something more dynamic: range estimation.

Battery Percentage (%)

This shows the current state of charge of your battery, expressed as a percentage from 0% to 100%.

• 80% or higher means you’re nearly fully charged.
• 20–80% is the sweet spot for daily use and battery health.
• Below 20% signals it’s time to plan your next charging stop.

Estimated Range (km)

This predicts how far you can drive on your current charge. Unlike a fixed fuel gauge, EVs calculate this estimate in real time, using data from:

• Your recent driving behavior (speed, acceleration, braking)
• Terrain (hills, elevation changes)
• Weather (cold or heat affects battery efficiency)
• Climate control usage

This number will go up or down based on how efficiently you drive. For example, gentle driving in warm weather may increase your range, while aggressive acceleration in cold conditions will reduce it faster than expected.

Why Does Range Estimation Vary So Much?

Combustion engine vehicles, range estimation isn’t a static number—it constantly adapts based on real-world conditions. A few things that cause rapid fluctuations include:

• High-speed driving (uses more energy)
• Frequent stop-and-go traffic
• Using air conditioning or heating
• Climbing hills or carrying heavy loads

Some EVs even allow you to toggle between different range estimate types:

• Standard range (based on recent driving)
• Conservative or projected range (based on less favorable conditions)

Pro tip: If you’re planning a long trip, choose the more conservative estimate for peace of mind.

2. Energy Consumption Metrics

One of the most valuable features of EV dashboards is the ability to track how efficiently you’re using electricity while driving.

kWh/100 km — Your Efficiency Gauge

Energy efficiency is usually shown as kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers (kWh/100 km).

• A lower number means you’re using less energy to travel, which is good.
• A higher number indicates more energy consumption, meaning reduced range.

Example:

If your EV reports 14 kWh/100 km, you’re using 14 kilowatt-hours of electricity to drive 100 kilometers.
If it jumps to 20 kWh/100 km, you’re consuming more energy—likely due to faster speeds or climate control use.

What Affects Your Energy Consumption?

Several factors impact how much energy your EV uses:

• Driving habits – Rapid acceleration and braking burn more energy.
• Speed – Higher speeds create aerodynamic drag and increase consumption.
• Elevation – Uphill driving requires more power.
• Weight – A fully loaded car uses more energy than one with just a driver.
• Temperature – Batteries operate less efficiently in cold or extreme heat.
• Climate systems – Heaters and A/C can significantly drain energy.

Many EV dashboards include a graph or chart showing energy consumption over time. Reviewing these charts after your trip can help you pinpoint inefficient habits and make improvements.

3. Regenerative Braking and Efficiency Stats

Unlike conventional cars, EVs can recover energy when slowing down or going downhill using regenerative braking. This is an important tool not only for efficiency but also for extending range.

Regen Stats on Your Dashboard

Some EVs display a regenerative braking percentage or indicator that shows how much energy is being recovered and sent back to the battery. You might see:

• A live meter showing real-time energy recovery
• A summary after the trip showing how much energy was recaptured

Eco Score or Driving Score

Some models include an “Eco Score” that rates your overall driving behavior on a scale. It may evaluate:

• Smoothness of acceleration
• Braking behavior
• Speed consistency

Improving your eco score often leads to better efficiency and more range per charge.

Using Regen Effectively

To make the most of regenerative braking:

• Lift off the accelerator early rather than braking hard.
• Use “one-pedal driving” mode (if available) for smoother deceleration and maximum energy recovery.
• Adjust regen strength settings if your EV allows it—some let you toggle between light, moderate, or strong braking feel.

4. Charging and Power Flow Indicators

When your EV is plugged in, the dashboard provides important information about the charging session. These indicators help you monitor the charging process and ensure everything is working correctly.

Charging Speed (kW)

This shows how quickly your EV is charging. Speed varies based on:

• Charger type (AC vs. DC)
• Battery temperature
• Battery’s current charge level

Example:

• A fast charger might show 100–200 kW.
• A regular charger may show 7–22 kW.

Time to Full Charge

This estimates how long it will take to reach your desired charge level. Some EVs let you set a charging target (e.g., 80%) to protect battery health.

Current Charge Level

As you charge, you’ll see your battery percentage increase, often accompanied by a visual indicator or animation.

Live Power Flow (While Driving)

While on the road, many EV dashboards also display real-time power flow, showing whether energy is:

• Being used to power the wheels
• Regenerated and sent back to the battery

This gives you instant feedback on your energy usage and recovery.

5. Additional Dashboard Features You Should Know

Depending on your EV’s make and model, there may be several other helpful metrics and alerts displayed on the dashboard or companion app.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, reducing your range. Your dashboard will alert you if tire pressure drops below recommended levels. Keeping tires properly inflated is a simple but effective way to improve efficiency.

Battery Temperature Warnings

Extreme heat or cold can negatively impact your battery. Some EVs show a battery temperature warning if the pack is outside optimal conditions, prompting you to precondition the battery before driving or charging.

Trip Summaries and Driving Reports

After a drive, your EV may generate a trip summary including:

• Total distance driven
• Average energy consumption (kWh/100 km)
• Regenerative braking performance
• Estimated energy saved

Reviewing this data over time helps you identify trends and make gradual improvements to your driving style.

Final Thoughts: Use Your Dashboard to Drive Smarter

Understanding your EV dashboard is about more than just checking your battery level—it’s about using the available data to drive more efficiently, extend your range, and get the best performance out of your vehicle.

Whether you’re:

• Planning a long-distance trip
• Trying to conserve energy on a daily commute
• Looking to improve battery health over time

…the insights from your dashboard are there to help.

Take a few minutes to explore all the features in your vehicle’s display and companion app. The more familiar you are with your car’s capabilities, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions and enjoy a more efficient, confident driving experience.

Looking for reliable charging options while you drive?

Check out the Allego map to find fast and standard EV chargers across Europe—so you’re always in control, wherever the road takes you.