In a significant move towards promoting sustainable transportation, Google has announced that it is expanding its eco-friendly routing options on Google Maps to 40 more countries across Europe. This expansion follows the successful introduction of eco-friendly routes in the United States and Canada last year.
What are Eco-Friendly Routes?
Eco-friendly routes are a feature introduced by Google that suggests fuel-efficient routes instead of the fastest ones. These routes are marked with a leaf label, making it easy for users to identify them. By choosing eco-friendly routes, drivers can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable transportation system.
How to Access Eco-Friendly Routes on Google Maps
To access eco-friendly routes on Google Maps, users need to follow these simple steps:
- Tap on your profile picture on Google Maps.
- Head to Settings > Navigation Settings.
- Scroll down to Route Options and tap on the ‘Prefer fuel-efficient routes’ option.
New Feature: Engine Selector for Eco-Friendly Routes
In addition to expanding eco-friendly routing options, Google is also launching a new feature that allows car owners to choose their vehicle’s engine type. This feature provides personalized suggestions for fuel-efficient routes tailored to the specific engine of the user’s vehicle. In the coming weeks, users will be able to select from the following engine types:
- Petrol or gas
- Diesel
- Hybrid
- Electric Vehicle (EV)
Behind-the-Scenes: Machine Learning and Data Collaboration
The development of advanced machine learning models for eco-friendly routing is made possible through a collaboration between Google, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and data from the European Environment Agency. By combining these insights with Google Maps driving trends, the company was able to train the models on the most popular engine types in each region.
Impact: Reducing Carbon Emissions
Since introducing eco-friendly routes in the U.S. and Canada, Google claims that it has been able to save carbon emissions equivalent to 100,000 cars. This achievement highlights the potential of technology-driven innovations in promoting sustainable transportation practices.
Google’s Commitment to Sustainable Transportation
Over the years, Google has made significant efforts to encourage eco-friendly navigation options on its platform. Some notable initiatives include:
- EV Charging Station Information: Introduced in 2018, this feature provides users with information about nearby EV charging stations.
- Bike Navigation: Launched in July, this feature includes details such as the amount of car traffic and types of roads along the route.
Conclusion
Google’s expansion of eco-friendly routing options to 40 more countries across Europe marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation practices. By making it easier for users to choose fuel-efficient routes, Google is contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions and a more environmentally friendly transportation system. As technology continues to play a vital role in shaping our daily lives, innovations like eco-friendly routing on Google Maps demonstrate the potential of tech-driven solutions in driving positive change.
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