Google Maps Adds Most Eco-Friendly Routes In Europe
Typically, we turn to Google Maps to find out how to get to our destination the quickest, or if we’re lost in an unfamiliar part of town. But what if you could also find out which route would the best for Mother Earth?
That’s exactly what the technology giant is planning to do as it rolls out an update to Europe, now allowing users in nearly 40 countries to pick from more eco-friendly routes on their trips.
According to Statista’s 2022 Report, road transportation is the largest source of carbon emissions on the continent, making it all the more an important issue to address.
Image via Google
With this new routing feature, instead of just the fastest routes, you’ll also be able to choose routes that are optimized for lower fuel consumption—which saves money as well as emissions—even if they take a little longer.
The function will judge the most fuel-efficient route for you based on the type of engine your car has. For example, diesel engines are better at higher speeds than petrol or gas engines, while hybrid and electric vehicles are more suited for stop-and-go traffic situations.
Users will even be able to compare the relative fuel savings and time difference between both routes and make an informed decision about which one is best for you based on your schedule and engine type.
Following its launch in US and Canada, Google said the feature has helped to remove over half a million metric tons of CO2 from the air, or the equivalent of taking 100,000 fuel-based vehicles off the road.
