A new feature of Google Maps specifically tailored for electric and hybrid vehicles is made available to riders for energy-efficient routes.
Google Maps is expanding its fuel-efficient routing options to electric and hybrid car owners by adding a new feature that specifically cater their needs, as per 9to5Google.
This new feature will delight owners of electric and hybrid vehicles as the app is reportedly going to have new navigation capability that will offer better energy-efficient routes, according to Android Central.
New Feature Will Tailor the Route Depending on the Type of Vehicle
In the new APK Insights of the Google Maps beta app for Android phones, 9to5Google said that the latest update bearing version 11.39 allows users to pick an engine type that they are currently driving. They can choose whether they are driving gas, diesel, electric, or hybrid.
Once an option was selected, Google Maps will tailor the navigation for the type of car chosen. The app will provide routes that will save the most fuel or energy.
Users already benefited from Google Maps as the app helped them find fuel-efficient routes. This depends on certain factors such as traffic congestion.
The app aims to provide users with a route with the lowest carbon footprint. Aside from this, it also has a goal to provide a similar ETA to the quickest route.
However, according Android Central, because of differences in the vehicles, "the most fuel-efficient route for one vehicle type might not offer the same efficiency for another type."
Google also appears to be working on tailoring Maps to account for electric vehicles since there are more of this type on the road.
Read Also: Google Maps' New Widget Can Show Live Traffic Around You... but for Android Phones Only
Google Continues to Create Product for a Sustainable Future
Last year, an alternative way to navigate your car from one place to another was offered by Google Maps. Typically a navigation app provide with shortest travel time.
However, the routes offered by Google Maps are fuel-efficient and eco-friendly ones. If the ETA is similar, it's even defaulting to that route.
However, vehicles behave differently and cannot optimize fuel efficiency with the same methods. Therefore, the most efficient route for a traditional car might be different for an electric.
In the US, gas-powered vehicles are still common. However, there is an increasing number of hybrids and electric vehicles on the road. There are also quite a few diesel-powered.
With that, the latest beta update to Google Maps, version 11.39, allows you to specify the engine type of the vehicle you're currently driving.
Upon selection in the gas, diesel, electric, and hybrid options, the app will tailor your navigation to find what will "save you the most fuel or energy," according to 9to5Google.
Google rolled out a new Maps feature for select electric vehicles last year. During drivers commute, it helps them easily find charging stations.
However, this new feature that Google Maps developed could be a game changer for electric vehicle owners. Since it would help drivers reached their destination more efficiently, it could reduce their anxiety.
Google has been committed to building a more sustainable future by helping reduce carbon foot prints. The new beta feature seems to be the company's next step towards that direction.
Related Article: Google Maps vs. Apple Maps: Pros, Cons, and Whats's Best to Use for Your iPhone
