Google Maps' new feature that was launched in the US last fall is expanding to other territories too.
In October 2021, Google Maps introduced a functional new feature that provided eco-friendly directions for its users that would consider traffic congestion and fuel economy. It's a helpful feature, especially in the midst of a fuel crisis that recently sent prices skyrocketing in the US. Now, Google is expanding this very feature to "nearly 40" countries in Europe, which has also been impacted by the rise in fuel prices as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Google Maps' eco-friendly directions enables its users to select the route that is most fuel efficient. But an update coming in the next few weeks will take this feature to another level by enabling users to calculate fuel and energy costs based on their vehicle type, Engadget reported. The upcoming feature will enable users to pick their vehicle type, such as gas, diesel, hybrid or electric and Google Maps will automatically determine how much energy or fuel is required by a specific route.
In the event that the most fuel efficient route is not the fastest, users can instead select the faster one. This new feature will be available on mobile only.
Why Google Maps is Offering More Information on Fuel and Energy Efficiency
The push to improve energy efficiency in the US and other parts of the world comes as many communities grapple with the fuel price hikes caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the rising temperatures brought about by global warming. Many states across America are now looking to decrease dependency on fossil fuels and are investing in EV infrastructures.
Google Maps' decision to add eco-friendly directions is in line with this movement towards better choices for the environment. Cnet reported that Google, along with other Big Tech companies are looking to cut down on emissions themselves. In 2020, Google announced that it reversed its lifelong carbon emission and is now using AI to help governments develop strategies to reduce carbon.
Like Google, Apple is also targeting carbon emissions, as the company aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. In line with this objective, it stopped including chargers in its 2020 release of iPhones. California, which is home to a number of Big Tech headquarters, has made the drastic move to prohibit the sale of new fuel-powered cars in the near future as well.
Google Maps Recognizes Partnership with US Government to Develop Eco-friendly Directions
In a a blog post, Google cited the "insights from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and data from the European Environment Agency" for helping create eco-friendly directions on Google Maps, TechCrunch reported. It explained that they used such information and their own driving trends to "develop advanced machine learning models trained on the most popular engine types in a given region."
The company said that after launching Google Maps' eco-friendly directions in the US and Canada, it has helped save carbon emissions equivalent to up to 100,000 cars.
