Google is testing a new Maps update that will be able to advise drivers of the most efficient route depending on the type of car they drive.
Users will be able to specify the engine type of the vehicle they are driving, and the software will then work out the best route that will 'save you the most fuel or energy' depending on whether you're driving a petrol, diesel, hybrid of electric vehicle. The update to Google Maps was first revealed by 9to5Google.com, although the system still under development.
The efficient route functionality will be an add-on to last year's ' eco-friendly routing ' feature, which aims to lower motorists' carbon footprint, sometimes at the expense of the length of time a journey takes. Currently, Google Maps lets drivers choose between the fastest and most direct routes, with an eco-friendly option that's best for the environment. The upgrade will adapt the route based on what is powering the vehicle - an engine, batteries and electric motors - or a combination of the two, according to This Is Money.
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The different types all have different ways to optimise fuel and energy efficiency, which means the routes provided to drivers of petrol and diesel cars could be very different to those offered to electric and hybrid vehicle owners. The system could also take into account how hilly a route is to determine if it is more efficient for the type of car being used, and volume of traffic lights on the route could also be taken into consideration, as stop-start journeys have a greater impact on the efficiency of petrol and diesel cars than electrified alternatives.
The update is likely to benefit hybrid and EV drivers most and the more tailored system will likely also provide fully-electric and plug-in hybrid car owners with the most range-efficient routes. 9to5Google.com it's expecting the update to be launched in the US in the next few weeks.
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