Google has announced new features to help users find more sustainable routes on Google Maps.
Google has announced new features to help people access more information on how to travel sustainably. All this doesn’t happen by chance: in Google searches, for example, interest in electric cars has increased by +140% in Europe in the last five years and interest in electric bicycles has doubled. Searches for sustainable travel increased by 160% in the same period.
Users will now be able to find more convenient routes by public transport and on foot, see alternatives to air travel and better understand flight emission estimates.
Google Maps is testing a pilot feature that shows suggested public transport or walking routes next to driving directions, if travel times are comparable and practical. In the coming weeks, they will launch this pilot in more than fifteen cities around the world, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Montreal, Paris, Rome and Sydney.
They have also extended the feature that shows train and long-distance bus timetables and prices, along with links to complete the booking. This is already starting to become a reality in 28 countries around the world, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, France and Germany, among others, so that it will soon be global.
In the coming months, they will start using AI technology in Google Maps to better describe the specific location of the charger, based on useful information from reviews. For example, when you’re heading towards a charging station, you might see a detailed description, such as “Enter the underground parking lot and follow the signs towards the exit. Just before the exit, turn right”. This is because sometimes it’s difficult to find a specific spot, especially if it’s in a multi-storey parking lot.
They are also preparing other ways to provide people with useful information, on a quick way, about the charging of electric vehicles. For example, if the user is running low on battery on the road or needs to recharge while doing some tasks, they will soon be able to see the nearest chargers on the car’s map, displaying real-time information such as the availability of sockets and charging speed. This update will be rolled out globally, starting in the coming months in vehicles with integrated Google services.
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