[RahulNagaraj]

Google Maps has introduced a new feature update on its mobile application which helps motorists save fuel and also reduce emissions.

The new feature called 'eco-friendly routing' showcases motorists the best route to take in order to save the maximum fuel possible. While the new route might take a longer time to travel, it is said to offer the best fuel-saving benefits.



In case of multiple routes being displayed, the application will provide the relative fuel savings for each route, along with the ETA difference for each. The 'eco-friendly routing' option will be designated by a green leaf. However, users can also disable the feature completely if required, with the Maps then displaying just the traditional 'fastest' route option.

Google suggests that using the new feature could help reduce up to 1 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year, which is equivalent to removing 2 lakh cars from the road.

Google states that the new feature uses AI and insights from the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to figure out every conceivable route to a specific destination.

Link to Team-BHP news

[alpha1]

Nothing of this sort visible on my phone app or website yet.

The lowest fuel consumption path would be a split between shorter path where higher average speed can be maintained.

Would be interesting to see how much "intelligence" is actually there in this feature.

[clevermax]

Originally Posted by RahulNagaraj

The new feature called 'eco-friendly routing' showcases motorists the best route to take in order to save the maximum fuel possible.

What could be the difference between the best route and the 'eco-friendly' route? Google maps already show you the most optimum route in terms of driving time and lesser distance right? How can there be another route option which can save more fuel? If another route can save more fuel, it should be the route in which one can maintain better average speeds and possibly shorter overall distance. But that is what Google map recommends as the primary option always, isn't it? Maybe it is about avoiding stop-and-go traffic, even if one has to drive few additional minutes through another route.

[ashis89]

I hope Google doesn't route me through narrow by lanes, forest paths, irrigated fields or river crossings, all in the name of saving fuel.

Once bitten twice shy!

[libranof1987]

Given that Google Maps' insights/suggestions have been counter-productive more often than not in the recent past, I hope it allows for flexibility of disabling this feature. It mentions so but we wouldn't realise any tweaks made to their code.

Originally Posted by clevermax

What could be the difference between the best route and the 'eco-friendly' route?

Could be anything:
- lower no. of traffic stops
- a flat road rather than one that has uphill (esp. for a city like San Francisco)
- bigger roads over narrow ones where your average speed is likely to be in the most economic range