Google Maps Launches ‘Eco-Friendly Routing’ in Europe, Supports EVs and Hybrids

Photo: Google Blog

Google shared several tips for driving more sustainably and saving money on road trips on its blog on Wednesday, including plans to roll out its “eco-friendly routing” across Europe, which previously first debuted in Canada and the USA.

The feature will roll out to customers in around 40 European countries, letting drivers select routes that are optimized for lowered levels of fuel consumption, based on engine/car type. You can pick from gas, diesel, electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle types, to get the most optimized route.

Beyond helping customers save money on fuel, Google says the move will also help lower carbon emissions. Currently, road transportation makes up Europe’s largest source of carbon emissions, according to a 2022 report from Statista.

The feature launched last year in the U.S. and earlier this year in Canada, and the company says it has helped remove around half a million metric tons of carbon emissions — or the equivalent of 100,000 fuel cars being removed from the road.

Google Maps is also rolling out the ability to select the most fuel-efficient route based on your vehicle type. Users can select between petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) from a dropdown to get routes tailored to their vehicles.

The blog page also includes tips for traveling more sustainably by using Google Maps for biking, walking, using public transit or staying in certified sustainable lodging.

In 2020, Google Maps began offering improved charging routes to EV owners across multiple car brands offering the app.