Method for controlling a drive system of an automotive vehicle comprising an electric motor driving a driving shaft , a driven shaft bearing wheels and a coupling device capable of assuming at least a first position in which the driving shaft and the driven shaft are coupled and at least a second position in which the driving shaft and the driven shaft are decoupled, a means for controlling the coupling device and a computer capable of commanding the control means to place the vehicle in neutral by uncoupling the driving shaft and the shaft bearing the wheels, the computer comprising: - a first module capable of interpreting signals relating to operating parameters of the vehicle so as to detect the desire of the driver to stop his or her vehicle, or if the passing through the neutral position is temporary or performed through the desire of the driver to coast, - and a second module capable of commanding the electric motor to impose a zero torque on the wheels without decoupling the driving shaft from the driven shaft if the passing through the neutral position is temporary or performed through the desire to coast, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - a first step (E1) of verifying whether the position of the control lever controlling the coupling device is the neutral position, - if the first step is verified, a second step (E2) of verifying two conditions, these being: o whether the vehicle speed is zero, and o whether a brake pedal actuation signal is detected, - if the second step is verified, then a mechanical neutral-placing third step (E3) in which the coupling device is commanded to assume the position of decoupling the driving shaft and the driven shaft, - if, during the second step (E2) at least one of the conditions is not met, then a fourth step (E4) in which a software neutral-placing operation is commanded, commanding the electric motor to impose a zero torque on the wheels without decoupling the driving shaft from the driven shaft. - a first module capable of interpreting signals relating to operating parameters of the vehicle so as to detect the desire of the driver to stop his or her vehicle, or if the passing through the neutral position is temporary or performed through the desire of the driver to coast, - and a second module capable of commanding the electric motor to impose a zero torque on the wheels without decoupling the driving shaft from the driven shaft if the passing through the neutral position is temporary or performed through the desire to coast, - a first step (E1) of verifying whether the position of the control lever controlling the coupling device is the neutral position, - if the first step is verified, a second step (E2) of verifying two conditions, these being: o whether the vehicle speed is zero, and o whether a brake pedal actuation signal is detected, o whether the vehicle speed is zero, and o whether a brake pedal actuation signal is detected, - if the second step is verified, then a mechanical neutral-placing third step (E3) in which the coupling device is commanded to assume the position of decoupling the driving shaft and the driven shaft, - if, during the second step (E2) at least one of the conditions is not met, then a fourth step (E4) in which a software neutral-placing operation is commanded, commanding the electric motor to impose a zero torque on the wheels without decoupling the driving shaft from the driven shaft. <EOS>