Google has announced a set of new eco-friendly features in Google Maps routes designed to cut fuel use and reduce the environmental footprint of daily driving.
Statista’s 2022 report noted that road transport remains the largest source of carbon emissions in Europe, underscoring the importance of smarter routing and smarter vehicle choices.
The eco-friendly routes first rolled out in the United States in October of last year and reached Canada in March 2022. Authorities say these routes prevent more than half a million tons of carbon emissions, a figure shared with Europa Press.
they are coming to europe
Encouraged by the positive impact, Google plans to expand these ecological routes to European countries in the coming weeks, offering users choices that accommodate various powertrains. Whether it is gasoline, diesel, hybrid, or electric, the routes adapt to the drive type to optimize consumption.
Diesel vehicles, for instance, generally use less fuel at highway speeds than gasoline or gas-powered engines. In contrast, hybrid and electric vehicles gain the most benefit from smoother city travel and frequent stops, where regenerative aspects and efficiency shine.
After a user selects their vehicle’s powertrain, the Maps app presents the best route with a precise estimate of expected consumption efficiency, helping drivers plan ahead and save fuel.
The technology relies on research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) combined with European Environment Agency data. Google then blends this information with real-world driving patterns captured by its Maps app.
As a result, Google has trained machine learning models to reflect the most common engine types across the regions it serves, enabling more accurate fuel-use predictions and smarter routing decisions.
Other sustainable functions
Alongside ecological routes, Google Maps will introduce additional sustainability-focused features. One new option highlights nearby electric vehicle charging points, aiding longer trips and daily commutes alike. The app will also offer enhanced bike routes with details such as steep sections and stair locations to help cyclists plan safer, more efficient trips. Live View is expanding as well.
Live View targets pedestrians by using augmented reality to display arrows and directions on the map, and it also provides a walking route preview with Street View imagery to improve situational awareness for walkers.