Google Maps will soon show Australian users the most fuel-efficient route and may suggest greener alternatives.
Google Maps will soon advise users in Sydney and Melbourne of transport alternatives to their driving plan.
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Google Maps will kindly encourage Australian travelers to use public transport or walk to their destination in one of the many green changes coming to the service.
Users who still intend to drive to their destination will see the most fuel-efficient route, and electric vehicle drivers will be able to search for nearby charging stations.
The tech giant announced these features on Monday to celebrate Earth Day, though some of them won't be available immediately or in all locations.
Google Maps director Andrew Foster said the tools being added to the company's navigation app were designed to encourage drivers to make more sustainable transportation choices.
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The most fuel-efficient routes, which will appear in the app from Monday, will use artificial intelligence to identify routes that use the least energy, even if they take longer.
Google Maps users will be able to specify whether they are driving a gasoline, hybrid, diesel or electric vehicle to help determine the most energy-efficient route.
However, users in Sydney and Melbourne may be advised by Google Maps to travel in even more environmentally friendly ways in the future, as the app will provide suggestions showing public transport or walking alternatives if journey times are similar or better.
“This feature encourages people to consider more environmentally friendly alternatives,” Foster said.
“It builds on our long-standing partnerships with local transport authorities to promote public transport and provide real-time information.”
The new feature is expected to launch in Australia's two largest cities "in the coming weeks." The changes will be added to showing the locations of electric vehicle charging stations - something that has been rolled out globally this year and will first appear in vehicles with Google software built in.
Apple also added details on electric vehicle charging stations to its mapping app in 2022, although the feature is only available on some high-end vehicles in the United States.
Earth Day is an annual event held on April 22nd in support of environmental protection.
Source: theguardian
