It’s impossible to think beyond Google Maps when it comes to checking real-time traffic conditions or a routine navigation service. But there is a paradigm shift on the way. The world is turning its eyes towards eco-friendly, sustainable solutions. So, how can a brand like Google see itself being cast out from providing what’s the need of the hour! Here is how Google is planning to make a move.
Google, through Google Maps, will help drivers take the most eco-friendly route based on certain factors and calculations. The feature will be ingrained in the existing app, and by default, Google Maps will display the route with the lowest carbon footprint, unless users choose to not go for it.
Also, if the available alternative routes are providing faster navigation, Google will display choices and let drivers compare expected emissions. The calculation of the default route with the lowest carbon footprint will be done based on analysing factors such as traffic condition, road inclines, congestion history, etc.
Google revealed that the feature will first be rolled out in the US, and later on the Global scale. "What we are seeing is for around half of routes, we can find an option more eco-friendly with minimal or no time-cost trade-off," Russell Dicker, a director of product at Google said.
Another important feature Google is expected to start off from June is warning drivers who are about to go through the low emission zones where vehicles are not allowed at all. Such restrictions are common in nations like France, Spain, Germany, etc.
Google specified in one of its blog posts that from Jakarta to Amsterdam, cities have established low emission areas – which are to be precise are zones that impose limitations on polluting vehicles like diesel cars or cars labelled with emission stickers in order to keep the air clean.
Google added that to support these efforts, they are working on alerts that will enable drivers to have a better understanding of when they will be travelling through one of these zones. Last, but not least, a feature offered to all the Google Maps users will be the comparison of car, cycling, public transports and other commuting options in one place, thus avoiding toggling between different sections. The Tech Giant stated that they committed to Sustainable practices, and would take all possible efforts to build a cleaner environment.
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