
If an electric car does not have a P gear, you can shift to N gear (neutral) and then engage the handbrake. The correct parking procedure is to shift to neutral after the car has stopped, engage the handbrake, turn off the ignition, and remove the key. N (Neutral): Neutral gear. When the gear lever is placed in the "N" position, the power between the engine and the transmission is cut off. For brief stops, you can place the lever in this position and engage the handbrake, allowing your right foot to move away from the brake pedal for a short rest. Electric car gear positions explained: P gear: When parking an automatic car, shift to P gear. The P gear uses a mechanical device to lock the car's rotating parts, preventing movement. Additionally, engage the handbrake fully to ensure the car does not move. N gear: Neutral gear, used for temporary stops (e.g., waiting at a red light). To prevent the car from rolling on a slope, keep the brake pedal pressed when in N gear. R gear: Reverse gear, used when reversing. Unlike manual cars, you cannot use a semi-clutch; pay special attention to controlling the accelerator pedal when reversing. D gear: Drive gear, also known as the forward gear. In D gear, the automatic transmission shifts automatically based on speed and throttle input, making it suitable for normal driving. S gear: Sport gear. In S gear (sport mode), the transmission shifts freely, keeping the engine at higher RPMs for longer periods, allowing the car to move at lower gears and higher RPMs for greater acceleration.

Not having a P gear in an electric car is actually a good thing in my opinion. When driving my Tesla Model Y, which lacks a traditional P gear, parking is incredibly simple—there's a large Park button on the center console. Just press it, and the car comes to a firm stop with the electronic parking brake preventing any rollback. The absence of a transmission makes the design cleaner, and I never worry about driving on city slopes in my daily commute. Always remember to confirm you've pressed the button or set the electronic handbrake before exiting the car. Once, in a bit of a hurry while dropping off my kid at school, I forgot to press it, and the car slid slightly about half a meter—luckily, the system automatically corrected it. This kind of electronic integration reduces maintenance hassles and makes it easier for new owners to get the hang of it. Parking safety is the top priority, after all.

My BYD Seal doesn't have a P gear. When parking, just shift to N gear and engage the electronic parking brake, or tap the Park button on the screen. The electronic system replaces the mechanical P gear, making it more intelligent to use, as well as more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. With fewer traditional components, the failure rate is significantly lower. I've driven it for over a year without any issues. When parking on a slope, always double-check to ensure the parking lights are on to avoid accidents. Some people mistakenly think the absence of a P gear is unsafe, but in reality, multiple electronic safeguards make it even more reliable. The simple and efficient design of electric vehicles makes this innovation worth promoting more widely.

Experience with electric vehicles tells me that not having a P gear is quite normal—relying on the electronic parking system to replace the gear lock. The operation is simple; just press the button. Before parking, ensure the motor has completely stopped to prevent rolling. Check the manual for the Park button location, and use the handbrake for added safety on slopes.


