Gear selector positions
Select a suitable gear selector position for the direction of travel.
Selecting gears
Select gears by moving the spring-loaded, non-locking lever forward or backward. The brake pedal must be depressed to change gear position.
Note
To facilitate parking and other low-speed maneuvers, the gear selector can be moved between D and R at very low speeds without depressing the brake pedal.
Gear selector positions
![P6-2037-XC40BEV-Gear shifter and gear shift modes](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/img9b3049122ba2848bc0a801523b7caad9_2_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
The instrument panel shows the gear currently in use.
The vehicle has three different gear selector positions and a button for the parking brake:
R, N, D or P button for the parking brake.
Parking brake – P
![P6-2037-XC40BEV-Parking brake button](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/img4fce42452b74b490c0a801523a0b23b5_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
Tap the button.
The symbol in the instrument panel will illuminate when the parking brake is activated.
Important
Make sure that the parking brake symbol is illuminated when leaving the vehicle.
Note
The parking brake must be activated in order to lock the vehicle and arm the alarm.
In an emergency, the parking brake can be activated when the vehicle is moving by pushing and holding down the button.
The brakes will then be applied with force in order to brake the vehicle. The braking process is canceled when the button is released or if the accelerator pedal is depressed.
Note
In case of emergency braking at high speeds, a signal sounds during the brake procedure.
Reverse - R
Fasten your seat belt.
Depress the brake pedal.
Move the lever all the way forward.
You can now back up the vehicle.
Neutral - N
Fasten your seat belt.
Depress the brake pedal.
Move the lever one step forward or one step backward.
The vehicle now rolls freely when the brake pedal is not depressed.
D drive mode
Fasten your seat belt.
Depress the brake pedal.
Move the lever all the way backward.
You can now drive the vehicle.
Important
The vehicle cannot be started if the charging cable is still plugged in. Make sure that the charging cable is removed and the charger cover is closed before starting the vehicle.