Google Maps will generate eco-routes. Google said the feature would launch first in the US later this year «with a global expansion on the way».
The search engine said it will highlight journeys that generate the lowest carbon footprint. To do this, it will use emissions data based on testing across different types of cars and road types, drawing on insights from the US government’s National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL).
When launched, the default route on the Google Maps app will be the «eco-friendly» option, unless users choose to opt out of it. When alternative routes are significantly faster, Google will offer choices and let users compare estimated emissions.
«What we are seeing is for around half of routes, we are able to find an option more eco-friendly with minimal or no time-cost trade-off,» Russell Dicker, a director of product at Google said.
In addition, from June, Google will start warning drivers about to travel through low emissions zones where some vehicles are restricted. These are common in countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK.
«From Amsterdam to Jakarta, cities around the world have established low emission zones — areas that restrict polluting vehicles like certain diesel cars or cars with specific emissions stickers to help keep the air clean,» Google said in a blog post.
Source: bbc.com
Photo: zastavki.com