Google Maps users in most of Europe will now be able to ask the app for recommendations on the most eco-friendly route to take. The feature was first launched in the U.S. back in October last year but is now making its way to cover more than 40 different countries within Europe.
While the recommended route may not be the quickest way to a destination — or even the shortest way — it will be the most eco-friendly option, calculated by taking into account factors such as congestion and inclines that could affect your fuel economy and emissions. You’ll even be able to tell the app what type of car you’re driving, such as diesel, petrol, hybrid, or fully electric. The chosen input will also affect the eco-friendly routes Google Maps will suggest for you.
The most fuel-efficient route, suggestions could be different based on the engine type. For example, diesel vehicles’ relative fuel economy advantage is generally greatest in highway driving. Hybrid and electric vehicles tend to provide progressively greater efficiency in stop-and-go city driving and hilly driving environments where they can extensively use and benefit from regenerative braking.
There’s no precise release date yet for the feature in Europe, but Google says it’ll be rolling it out over the near future.
How to use eco-friendly routing
- In the Google Maps app
- On your mobile device, open the Google Maps app Maps.
- Tap your Profile picture or initial Account Circle and then Settings Settings and then Navigation settings.
- Scroll to “Route options.”
- To turn eco-friendly routing on or off, tap Prefer fuel-efficient routes.
- To choose your engine type, tap Engine type. Select your engine type and then tap Done.
After getting directions
- On your mobile device, open the Google Maps app Maps.
- Search for your destination or tap it on the map.
- In the bottom left, tap Directions.
- In the bottom bar, swipe up.
- Tap Change engine type. Then select your engine type.
- Tap Done.
