Google is again adding eco-friendly functionality to one of its major consumer services. Weeks after making it easy to cut your carbon footprint with your choice of accommodation, the US tech giant has added a similar feature to their Google Maps service across Europe.
From today, Maps in almost 40 European countries will now suggest routes for their low fuel consumption. Users can rank the fuel efficiency of their routes and plan accordingly. Drivers can save the planet or a few bob by following the most fuel-efficient route rather than the fastest or least congested.
Read more: Google offering sustainable travel solutions as part of global climate commitment
Users can see the relative fuel savings and time difference between the two routes and choose the one that works best for you. You can even choose your Maps app to select the most fuel-efficient route by default.
Eco-friendly routing has already seen success since its launch in the U.S., Canada, and Germany. The service is already estimated to have helped remove more than half a million metric tons of carbon emissions. That’s equivalent to taking 100,000 cars off the road.
Most Efficient Route for Your Engine Type
An additional feature that will roll out soon will allow you to select your engine type and refine the eco-friendly route even further.
Diesel engines are more efficient that petrol at higher speeds, EVs/hybrid are best in stop-start urban environments, petrol is best at constant moderate speeds.
Google Maps will take these into account based on your engine type and offer even better options for your greener journey.
