How To Put Tesla in Neutral: All Models Explained

Most Tesla owners don’t experience the need for neutral gear until they pull up to a car wash and need their vehicle in neutral. The gear can also come in handy in a clutch if your Tesla needs to be towed. 

You can put the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y in neutral by pushing the gear stalk up or down and holding it for one second. To put the Tesla Model X and Model S in neutral, you push the gear lever slightly up or down depending on its position. To shift to neutral in a 2022+ Model S and Model X, long press on neutral on the screen.

I’ll further explain how to place each Tesla in neutral in the sections below. Additionally, I will explain how to put your Tesla into neutral using Transport Mode. 

Here’s how to put Tesla in neutral for each model:

How To Put the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y in Neutral

The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have similar gear shift configurations. Remember that you need to press on the brake pedal to shift gears while in park. 

To put a Model 3 or Model Y in neutral, push up or down on the gear stalk like you would when engaging drive or reverse and hold for a second. The car will alert you when you’ve successfully engaged neutral. 

The car will automatically engage park when you open the door. 

How To Put the Tesla Model X and Model S in Neutral

Putting the Model X or Model S in neutral requires a bit of finesse as the neutral position lies between drive and reverse. Therefore, the direction you move the shifter depends on which gear is engaged. 

To place the Model X or Model S in neutral, move the shifter to the central position and hold for a second. If the vehicle was in reverse, move the shifter slightly down and hold. If the Tesla was in drive, move the shifter slightly up and hold. 

The display will inform you whether you’ve successfully placed the Tesla in neutral. 

How To Put the 2021+ Tesla Model X and Model S in Neutral

The new Tesla Model X and Model S feature no gear shift. Instead, they require the driver to use the screen or a console below the screen to change gear. 

To place the 2021+ Tesla Model X and Model S in neutral, press the car icon on the screen and press on the neutral until the car pops into neutral. You can also press the gear buttons below the screen to change gear. 

When the 2021 Tesla Model X and Model S launched in 2021, people marveled at the futuristic cockpit design that featured no gear shift and indicator shift. The airplane-like steering wheel also attracted curious eyes. 

Elon Musk reacted to customer concerns in the usual Musk fashion: Twitter. In late January, the Tesla boss claimed that drivers only needed a few days to get used to driving without the gear stalk. 

He described using the shifter as ‘annoying.’ 

It is very easy to place the car into gear. In fact, the car does it for you, depending on your surroundings. Once you buckle your belt, it chooses to drive or reverse (you can disable this system from the center console). 

The center console features a permanent car icon. To place the car in neutral, press the car icon, look for the Neutral icon, and press it. 

The gear buttons below the center console allow you to place the car in gear without using the touchscreen. You can opt to exclusively use these buttons if you do not need the touch screen. 

Simply press the ‘N’ letter to place the car in neutral. 

The shift buttons below the console lie on either side of the hazard button. A gentle tap of the panel with the hazard button will reveal the shifter controls. 

This video by Deji and Sarah Akingbade shows how to shift in the 2021 Tesla Model X and Model Y. It’s a relatively simple system introduced by Tesla.

How To Put a Tesla in Neutral Using Transport Mode

Transport Mode on a Tesla disengages the parking brake, effectively putting the car in neutral. Tesla created this feature to allow for the placing of Teslas onto a flatbed or dollies. 

To put the car in neutral using Transport Mode: 

1. Ensure that the car has low voltage power. 
2. Place the car in park. 
3. Hold the brake pedal and access ‘Controls’ on the screen. 
4. Press on service and then towing. 
5. Press the Transport Mode button until it changes color to blue. 

The parking brake is now disengaged, and you can tow the car at no more than 5 km/h (3 mi/h). 

Tesla recommends that you tow for a maximum of ten meters (32.8 ft) to avoid overheating and damaging car components. The company strongly discourages the pulling of a Tesla with its wheels on the ground. 

There’s no other way to engage Transport Mode on a Tesla. Transport Mode is the only way the vehicle will remain in neutral after you open the door. 

Normally, neutral disengages, reverting the car to park after you open the door. 

Once you access the ‘towing’ section, you’ll receive a message from Tesla advising you on the recommended way to transport your Tesla. It’s vital that you follow Tesla’s instructions to avoid damaging your vehicle or voiding the warranty. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Freewheeling in ICE cars involves placing the vehicle in neutral (or depressing the clutch) to let gravity maintain the car’s momentum. It helps lower fuel consumption in ICE vehicles but does carry several risks. Placing a Tesla in neutral doesn’t affect the range count on the dash. Therefore, we can’t tell whether freewheeling a Tesla on neutral has any range benefits.

Instead of freewheeling your Tesla, set the regen system on its lowest setting and feather the accelerator to the point where it shows no energy changes. The car remains on the drive, allowing you to accelerate or decelerate instantly.

Most Tesla drivers seem to dislike the idea of freewheeling a Tesla on neutral.

It seems unnecessary to freewheel a Tesla on neutral or otherwise as you lose out on Tesla’s intelligent regenerative braking system. The system stores kinetic energy from braking, increasing the range of your Tesla.

Keep the Tesla on Drive when hurtling down a hill, set the regen settings on maximum, and every time you brake, you feed the batteries with juice.

A ‘dead’ Tesla means a Tesla that has exhausted its low voltage power. A Tesla can be fully charged but still have no low voltage power.

The solution is to charge the low voltage battery externally. Once it has enough charge, you can access the computer and place it on neutral.

Unfortunately, a dead low-voltage battery effectively kills the car. You must operate everything manually, and as James May of Drivetribe found out, getting to the low voltage battery isn’t easy. Therefore, always ensure that the low voltage battery has some juice to avoid inconveniences.

Can I Put My Tesla in Neutral While Driving for Better Efficiency?

Placing your Tesla in neutral while driving won’t significantly improve efficiency. Tesla’s regenerative braking system captures energy when you coast or brake, helping to extend your range.

Freewheeling in neutral may not provide any noticeable range benefits and could be less safe.

What Do I Do If My Tesla’s Low Voltage Battery Dies, and I Can’t Shift Gears?

If your Tesla’s low voltage battery is dead, you won’t be able to shift gears. To resolve this, you’ll need to charge the low voltage battery externally or jump-start the car.

Once the low voltage battery has sufficient charge, you can access the computer and shift gears as needed.

Is It Possible to Tow a Tesla With Its Wheels On The Ground?

Tesla strongly discourages towing a Tesla with its wheels on the ground. To tow a Tesla safely, you should use Transport Mode, as it disengages the parking brake, effectively putting the car in neutral.

Towing a Tesla without following Tesla’s guidelines can lead to damage and warranty issues.

How To Disable the Automatic Gear Selection Feature In My Tesla

You can disable the automatic gear selection feature in your Tesla. You can do this from the center console. Disabling this feature allows you to manually select your gear instead of having the car choose between drive and reverse when you buckle your seatbelt.

Is It Possible To Shift Gears In A Tesla Without Using The Touchscreen?

You can shift gears in a Tesla without using the touchscreen. In newer models, there are gear buttons below the center console. You can press the ‘N’ button to place the car in neutral and use other buttons to select different gears.

Why Did Tesla Remove The Gear Stalk In The 2021+ Model X And Model S?

Tesla removed the gear stalk in the 2021+ Model X and Model S as part of a design change to create a futuristic cockpit with a streamlined look. Elon Musk mentioned that it was to simplify the driving experience, although some drivers found it initially unusual.

Can I Put My Tesla In Neutral Without Touching The Gear Stalk Or Screen?

You typically need to use the gear stalk or touchscreen/console to put your Tesla in neutral. Tesla’s design relies on these interfaces for gear selection, and there’s no alternative method provided.

What Should I Do If I Accidentally Put My Tesla In Neutral While Driving?

If you accidentally put your Tesla in neutral while driving, immediately shift it back into drive or the appropriate gear. Accidentally shifting to neutral can lead to a loss of control, so it’s essential to correct it promptly.

Can I Tow My Tesla At Any Speed While In Transport Mode?

You should not tow your Tesla at high speeds while in Transport Mode. Tesla recommends towing at a maximum speed of 5 km/h (3 mi/h) and for a maximum distance of ten meters (32.8 ft) to avoid overheating and potential damage to the car’s components. Follow Tesla’s towing guidelines for safety.

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