What Are the Gear Positions in New Energy Electric Vehicles?
2 Answers
New energy vehicles have gear positions labeled with letters such as P, R, N, D, S, and L. The P stands for Parking, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, D for Drive, S for Sport, and L for Low. Below is an explanation of each gear position: P Gear: Parking means "to park." It is the parking gear used when the vehicle is stationary. When you reach your destination or need to park for an extended period, shift into this gear. Note: The vehicle must be completely stopped before shifting into P gear; shifting into P gear before the vehicle has fully stopped can damage the automatic transmission. When in P gear, the wheels are mechanically locked, preventing the vehicle from moving forward or backward. Therefore, always engage P gear when parking on an incline. Additionally, during short stops (e.g., at traffic lights), it is best not to shift into P gear to avoid severe transmission damage in case of a rear-end collision. R Gear: Reverse means "to go backward" and is used for reversing. To engage reverse, press the safety button on the gear lever. However, ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting to avoid damaging the transmission. N Gear: Neutral means "neutral" and is also called the neutral gear. At traffic lights, you can shift into this gear while keeping your foot on the brake. If the wait is longer, engage the handbrake to rest your foot. A common misconception is that shifting into N gear while coasting downhill or at high speeds saves fuel. This is incorrect and can damage the transmission. D Gear: Drive means "to drive" and is the forward gear. Shifting into this gear and pressing the accelerator allows the vehicle to move. The transmission automatically adjusts based on speed and throttle input. At traffic lights, you can stay in D gear with your foot on the brake. However, prolonged idling in D gear can raise transmission fluid temperature and degrade its quality. S Gear: Sport means "sport" and is the sport mode. In this gear, the transmission delays shifting to provide more power, typically used for overtaking. L Gear (Low Gear): Used in snowy conditions or heavy traffic where slow speeds cause frequent gear changes in D gear, increasing fuel consumption. Shifting into L gear keeps the vehicle in 1st or 2nd gear, reducing wear and fuel consumption. It is also suitable for uphill and downhill driving. D1, D2, D3; M, +, - (Limited Gear Usage): Limited gears are used for uphill or downhill driving. For example, shifting into 3rd or 2nd gear restricts the highest gear, helping control speed on long descents. On steep inclines, using 3rd or 2nd gear provides more power, while 1st gear is ideal for very steep climbs. Downhill, engine braking is more effective than using D gear alone, reducing brake wear and overheating. M Gear is the manual mode, where + and - represent upshifting and downshifting, respectively. This mode is commonly used for hill driving and can be engaged while the vehicle is moving without stopping.
The gear design of new energy electric vehicles differs significantly from traditional gasoline cars. Let me use my own Model 3 as an example. It only has a stalk shift lever on the center console - push down for D (Drive) to move forward, pull up for R (Reverse), and the button on top is P (Park). The most distinctive feature is the absence of a traditional transmission; the motor drives directly, making it exceptionally smooth. Some models like the BYD Han even have a B mode, which isn't a forward gear but a strong energy recovery mode that automatically charges the battery when going downhill. It might take some getting used to at first, but the operation is ten times simpler than a manual transmission - you don't even need to shift to N (Neutral) when stopping at red lights as it automatically engages the parking brake. The system also limits torque output when tires slip, which is particularly useful for snowy roads in northern regions. After getting accustomed to it, you'll realize these designs are truly optimized for modern driving scenarios.
