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How do you put an electric car in neutral?

I’m worried about my Nissan Leaf dying right before I make it to a charger. I’ve never put it in neutral, so is it even possible for it to be towed if it comes to that? Can you explain how to put an electric car in neutral?

avatar
Elaine Duvet · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
That is a valid concern! While electric cars are fast, they are fundamentally different from vehicles with internal combustion engines.
Since
electric cars
don’t have a transmission, they also don’t have a neutral gear. Electric vehicles send power to the wheels via the current that travels through the batteries. But don’t worry, EVs still have gears for parking and braking.
However, sometimes you need to put your EV in neutral in order for it to be towed or if you want to take it through a car wash. Here’s how to put your electric car in neutral:
  • Putting your car in neutral can depend on the type of EV you have.
  • For a Tesla Model 3 in park, if you lightly push DOWN to the first click and wait for a second, you’ll be in neutral. Use this method when taking the best-seller into a car wash as well. From drive, lightly push UP to the first click and wait a second.
  • To put a Nissan Leaf in neutral,** press **the left shift knob and hold it down for a couple of seconds. When the light above illuminates, you’re good to go.
  • The Chevy Bolt can go into neutral mode for a short period until the parking brake gets re-applied. Move **the shift lever forward from the center position. **Press the shift lock release button at the same time as pressing the shift lever back if the EV is in park. Once the shift lever is released, it will go back to the center position.
Now that you know it’s possible to put your electric vehicle in neutral, the possibilities are endless! The possibilities are also endless for car insurance, where choosing the right plan can be overwhelming.
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MORE: Second-Hand EVs Are Becoming More Popular Than Ever
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