Committed to environment: Google Maps teaches how to save gas

Currently, thousands of people have focused their efforts on saving money when refuelling, but for this, it is not enough to find the cheapest gas station, it is also necessary to travel by the most efficient routes. Google is aware of this problem and has found the perfect solution for its users.

In this way, a new function of Google Maps has focused on generating money savings for its users. The innovative proposal of the technological giant allows people with vehicles to choose the most efficient routes to save time and fuel.

The company's new strategy is called "green routes" and it is a new feature that will help hundreds of people save fuel during trips and spend less money when refuelling.

How to circulate through ecological routes of Google?

To navigate eco-routes, users will need to access the “Route Options” menu when a route is being calculated and select the “prioritize fuel-saving routes” option.

It should be noted that this option will also be available from the "Settings" menu, within the "Navigation Settings" section. In this way, Google Maps will calculate a friendly route with fuel consumption.

It is important to mention that for Google Maps to be able to adjust the ecological routes to a car, the users of the application must detail the type of engine of their vehicle. In addition, they will have to detail if the car runs on gasoline, diesel, electric or hybrid.

To make these configurations, interested persons must select the type of engine from the "route options", or from the "navigation configuration".

Once the details about the vehicle are clarified, Google Maps will calculate the travel times. To navigate through this option, the user will have to select the route that appears with the icon of a vegetable leaf, which means that it is an ecological route with which fuel will be saved.

On some occasions, the ecological route can coincide with the fastest route, but this will not always be the case; the greenest route can also be the least fast, so the driver of the vehicle will have to choose whether to save time or money.

The Google Maps function does not create new routes that did not exist before, but the app, based on its data, is able to distinguish which of all the options is the most efficient to save fuel.

How to know amount of gasoline that Google Maps saves?

So that users have a clear view of the benefits of this functionality of Google Maps, the application will show an estimated percentage of fuel or energy that the car will save if the driver decides to travel along the route indicated as ecological.

To make this calculation, Google considers the average fuel or energy consumption of vehicles in the area, in addition to other factors such as elevation level, traffic and the type of roads.

For now, this service remains exclusive in regions such as the United States, Canada, Spain, France and other 40 countries in Europe. Since its launch, Google Maps has saved more than half a million tons of carbon emissions.

How to use eco-friendly routing

Important: Energy-efficient routes for electric vehicles (EVs) don’t include stops to charge.

In the Google Maps app

1. On your mobile device, open Google Maps.
2. Tap your Profile picture or initials.
3. Settings Navigation settings.
4. Scroll to "Route options."
5. To turn eco-friendly routing on or off, tap Prefer fuel-efficient routes.
6. To choose your engine type, tap Engine type. Select your engine type  tap Done.

After getting directions

1. On your mobile device, open the Google Maps app.
2. Search for your destination or tap it on the map.
3. In the bottom left, tap Directions.
4. In the bottom bar, swipe up.
5. Tap Change engine type.
6. Select your engine type tap Done.

Google works to create more sustainable travel

In addition to offering this service that prioritizes sustainability, tools focused on satisfying users who are concerned about the impact that their trips have on an ecological level.

The technology company decided to implement filters in its Google Flights services that allow it to find airline tickets and hotels that have the least possible impact on sustainability.

Thanks to this Google function, Internet users interested in travelling will be able to find the plane ticket that allows the person's carbon footprint not to increase as much compared to other possible flights that would have had a negative impact on the environment.