Google Maps update teases perfect new feature for EV drivers

Date:
Tue, 19 Jul 2022 11:03:45 +0000

Description:
The latest Google Maps beta teases an update that will offer fuel-efficient route information based on the vehicle you drive.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

Google Maps could soon tailor the route information it gives you based the kind of car you drive, potentially giving you a different route depending on whether you use an electric car or a more traditional petrol-powered vehicle.

In our guide for using Google Maps to reduce your fuel usage and save money
on gas , we recommend using the most energy-efficient route. This option sits alongside the usual fastest and shortest route options, and if you choose it you'll be directed along the route that's calculated to consume the least amount of fuel (which may, or may not also be the fastest or the shortest route).

However, the most efficient route for one type of engine might not be the
best for another. So to get around this it looks like Google Maps will in the future let you select what type of engine your car uses gas/petrol, diesel, electric, or hybrid.

Thats based on the latest 11.39 beta build of Google Maps, which (as spotted by 9to5Google ) includes references to selecting your cars engine type to get fuel-efficient route suggestions. Another line of code suggests you wont have to share this information right away, or at all, if you don't want Google to know too much about you, and youll also be able to change your engine type in-app too.

Despite its inclusion in the latest beta, this feature is still very bare-bones, and isnt actually usable instead being hidden deep in the apps code. While its likely well see it fleshed out in the future theres no guarantee that it'll happen anytime soon, if at all and even if the next
beta update includes this feature, itll still be a while before it comes to the official Google Maps release. Analysis: every bit counts

Fuel-efficient routing wont be an immediate or massive game-changer in terms of how much fuel we use. But combined with adopting other fuel-efficient measures (like using better tires and driving more carefully), it could make
a significant difference.

For those of us enduring high fuel prices at the pump, this change cant come soon enough. And while gas prices aren't such a pressing issue for electric vehicle owners, electricity prices are also rising, and recharging can be time-consuming. Apple Maps could soon offer route recommendations
specifically for electric bike riders. (Image credit: Shutterstock / BGStock72)

Google Maps isnt the only service thinking about creating custom routes for different vehicles. Apple Maps could soon recommend the best routes for
people riding electric bikes .

As the range of vehicles on our roads continues to diversify, well hopefully see more companies introducing services designed to make our journeys as efficient as possible.

Looking to reduce your carbon footprint today? Here are the best electric bikes weve tested.



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/google-maps-update-teases-perfect-new-feature-f or-ev-drivers/


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)