Should Electric Vehicles Be Shifted to Neutral Gear at Traffic Lights?

[JoelLee]

Electric vehicles should be shifted to neutral gear at traffic lights. Here are specific details about electric vehicles: 1. P Gear: The N gear in electric vehicles is equivalent to the neutral gear in manual transmission models. This operation can cut off power, reduce load, and allow the driver to take a short break. The least recommended method is shifting to P gear. P gear is used for long-term parking. If P gear is also used while waiting at traffic lights, it will increase the impact on the transmission, as shifting between P gear and D gear involves passing through R gear twice. Over time, this can affect performance. 2. Principle: When the gear shift lever is in the P position, the parking lock mechanism locks the transmission output shaft. In P gear, the drive shaft is partially locked inside the transmission, so even without pressing the brake on flat ground, the vehicle still has some braking force.

[AdrielDella]

I've been driving an electric vehicle for three to four years, and from my experience, there's really no need to shift to Neutral (N) at red lights. The electric powertrain is different from traditional internal combustion vehicles—it doesn't have complex transmission gears. When stopped in Drive mode, the motor automatically disengages, so there's no idle energy waste. Shifting to N is unnecessary, wasting time and effort, and may even cause the car to roll accidentally or delay a safe start due to a slip of the hand. Many EVs now come with an auto-hold feature, such as locking the position by pressing the brake, eliminating the need for additional gear shifts—designed to simplify life. Get into the habit of staying in Drive; it's efficient and safe. Remember, these smart designs make your commute easier, with no impact on battery range.

[HenryRose]

As an everyday commuter, I find this issue quite straightforward. There's absolutely no need to shift into Neutral at red lights unless you're on an incline or have specific concerns. Electric vehicles are designed to remain completely stationary when stopped, unlike older cars that required avoiding engine overheating or wear. Staying in Drive mode actually allows quicker resumption of driving, enhancing overall safety - especially when traffic lights change, enabling immediate response. Developing the habit of using single-pedal mode or foot brake control is more practical than relying on cumbersome operations. Don't worry about battery drain; engineers have optimized these details for efficient system operation.

[OPaul]

From a technical perspective, electric vehicles typically use a single-speed transmission, eliminating the need for a traditional Neutral (N) gear. When parked, the motor automatically shuts off, consuming no power and causing no wear, making it perfectly acceptable to remain in Drive (D) gear. Engaging Neutral may trigger unnecessary system adjustments, potentially affecting driving smoothness. Many new models integrate regenerative braking functionality, and staying in Drive gear allows for smoother braking and energy recovery, enhancing battery efficiency. In practical driving scenarios, simply pressing the brake pedal or activating the Auto Hold function provides sufficient simplicity and safety, eliminating the need for complex operations.