Google Maps: one destination, two alternatives. The green path lands in Europe

Google Maps updates in Europe and debuts the feature that allows motorists to select the path with less impact from an environmental point of view in addition to the classic one which requires less travel time. In the next weeks among other things, it will be possible to insert the type of car in Maps in your possession, if diesel, petrol, electric or hybridso as to receive even more personalized and precise information.

Initially launched in October last year in the United States – with the support of data provided by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – the option it had been found in July within the 11.39 beta code. Now finally the rollout starts in more than 40 European countries, Italy included.

The “ecological route” function offers a wider choice to the user, now free to decide whether to follow the shortest route or whether to opt for the one which, according to the algorithms of Maps and data provided by the European Environmental Agency,It has less impact on the environment with a lower CO2 release. Of course, faster and greener routes may also coincide, but this is not always the case.

The double option fastest route – most ecological route can be enabled or disabled from Google Maps> profile picture> Settings> Navigation settings> Route options.

• if active: the fastest and least impact alternatives are shown. The alternative route that requires less consumption is identified with a small leaf. With an upward swipe you will then have access to some useful information on estimated savings.
• if it deactivates: only the fastest route is shown

Over the next few weeks, the greener route function can be further refined choosing the type of car in your possession, or whether petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric.

• enter departure and arrival point
• click on the three dots at the top right
• select Route Options
• select the type of car
• click Save

Now Google will be able to recommend the most eco-sustainable route to follow.

Google relies on the data provided by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the European Environmental Agency. Calculations are made based on the factors that affect the use of fuels or energy, as well as the emission of CO2 into the atmosphere (average petrol / diesel / energy consumption in the area where you live, presence of climbs / descents, roads, typology of streets).