Google Maps has launched in nearly 40 European countries (including Spain) a new function that allows you to choose a route designed for minimize fuel consumption, help you save money and reduce carbon emissions. Thus, apart from the fastest route, Google Maps will also show you the one that consumes the least fuel (if it does not coincide with the fastest). As Google has explained, with a few taps you can see the relative fuel economy and time difference between the two routes, and choose the one you prefer. In case you still prefer to see the fastest route, you just have to define your preferences in the Settings.
«The ecological routes are leaving their mark on the whole world or, better said, reducing it. Since they were launched in the United States and Canada, it is estimated that they have already contributed to avoiding more than half a million tons of carbon emissions. To give you an idea, the equivalent of removing 100,000 cars with thermal engines from the roads. We have recently launched the ecological routes in Germany”, explains Google.
How Google Maps calculates the route with the most efficient consumption according to the type of engine
What is the most efficient route? Well, it depends on the type of engine in your vehicle. For example, diesel engines are often more efficient at motorway speeds than petrol or gas, while hybrid and electric vehicles perform better in stop-start city traffic. That is why drivers using the ecological routes will be able to select the type of motor of your vehicle: gasoline or gas, diesel, hybrid or electric. Google Maps will provide them with the best route and an accurate estimate of their fuel efficiency.
To determine these routes, Google Maps has relied on contributions from the United States Department of Energy and data from the European Environment Agency. “We have combined this information with driving trends from Google Maps and have developed advanced machine learning models, which we have trained with the most popular types of engines in each region”Google explains.
In addition, from now on Google Maps incorporates more information related to sustainable mobility:
- My car is electric. If you have an electric vehicle, search for “electric vehicle charging point” on Google Maps to see nearby charging stations, along with useful details such as type and speed of charge. At some stations, you can even see if a charger is available right now, which saves you from waiting and valuable time.
- Get on the bike. Often the most sustainable option is… not to take the car. Google Maps can help you if you want to get around in an alternative way. You can also find nearby bike and scooter sharing services in more than 500 cities around the world, including Barcelona, Berlin, London, Paris and Rome.
- What if you walk? Google Maps also offers precise directions for pedestrians. So you don’t go wrong, Live View uses augmented reality to show you clear arrows and directions overlaid on the map. You can also preview your walking route with Street View.
- Get around easily on public transport. If you touch the public transport icon you will get directions to your destination by bus, train, subway and even by ferry. In addition, you can see real-time departure and arrival times, transfers and service delays, when this information is available. Google Maps also offers you other information of interest so that you know what you can find, such as how crowded your route is, the temperature or if there is an accessible route for wheelchairs.
- Sleep can also be more sustainable. Google Search helps you find hotels that have committed to significantly more environmentally friendly practices. So you will see a eco badge next to hotel names which, due to their high sustainability standards, have received a certification by independent organizations, such as Green Key or EarthCheck. In this way, you will know that they follow respectful practices, which range from waste reduction to energy efficiency, including water conservation measures.
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