Google has been introducing back-to-back features on its apps. This time around Google Maps is getting new features that will allow users to make environmentally friendly choices while traveling. The new update to Google Maps is the eco-friendly routing which will show the users the most fuel-efficient route plus the fastest route. This will allow the users to choose the route that is best for them. Google announced this feature through a blog post wherein they said that the new routing model will not only get the users to the destination as soon as possible but will also optimize for lower fuel consumption. Also, it will show the relative difference in fuel savings and the estimated time of arrival (ETA) to the users. Now if the ETA for the fastest and most fuel-efficient route is the same then Google Maps will go for the latter to reduce carbon emissions.
The feature has been launched for the Google Maps users in the US as of now to both Android as well as iOS users. It might be available in Europe next year along with some other countries.
Google also announced that it will be bringing lite navigation for cyclists in the future. According to Google, there has been a 98% increase in the use of biking directions on Maps around the world.
The lite navigation will allow the cyclist to see details about their route and not keep their phone screen on or enter turn-by-turn navigation. Also, a track of their trip progress will be kept and the ETA updates in real-time with a glance can be seen. This feature is expected to be available once cycle navigation goes live on Android and iOS in the upcoming months.