🚨 2026 Polestar 2: Emergency Neutral
The 2026 Polestar 2 uses a center console monostable electronic gear selector that returns to center position after each selection.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and apply the parking brake if functional
- If the 12V battery has any charge, press the brake pedal and start button to wake the vehicle systems
- With the brake pedal depressed, move the gear selector rearward to select Neutral
- If the electronic shifter will not respond due to complete electrical failure, the vehicle must be placed in transport mode
- Locate the front tow eye cover in the lower front bumper on the driver's side
- Remove the tow eye cover and install the tow eye from the vehicle toolkit
- Contact Polestar roadside assistance or a qualified EV technician, as the vehicle requires special procedures to enable free-wheeling of the drive units
- The Polestar 2 should be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground whenever possible
With zero electrical power
With complete 12V power loss, the electronic shifter will not function. The Polestar 2 has no mechanical shift lock override accessible to the owner. A jump-start of the 12V battery is required to restore shifter function, or the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed truck. The vehicle cannot be safely pushed or towed with wheels on the ground without dealer-level procedures to disconnect the drive units.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The Polestar 2 is a pure electric vehicle with permanent magnet motors. Never tow this vehicle with any wheels on the ground for any distance. The motors will generate voltage when rotated, potentially damaging the high-voltage system and creating a fire risk. Always use a flatbed or wheel-lift with dollies under the rear wheels if front-lifting. If the 12V battery is dead and you need to move the vehicle short distances (onto a flatbed), jump-starting the 12V battery is the only safe method to enable gear selection.