Google Maps will soon tell motorists the most efficient route that’s tailored to whether they drive a petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric car
- Beta update is currently being tested that will provide best eco routes to drivers depending on the fuel type of their car
- Users will tell Google Maps if they are driving a petrol, diesel, hybrid of EV
- The app will then provide them with the most efficient route based on this info
- Hybrids and EVs will most likely be told to drive on roads with lower limits to take advantage of better range at slower speeds
- It could also take into account how hilly a route is and the number of potential stop-start scenarios
Google is testing a new update to its Maps application that will be able to navigate drivers to their destination via the most efficient route depending on the type of car they own.
Users will be able to specify the engine type of the vehicle they are driving, given the choice of petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric.
The system will then ‘tailor’ the best route that will ‘save you the most fuel or energy’ depending on the powertrain of your motor.
Maps update: Google is currently testing an upgrade to its Maps navigation functionality that will tell users the most efficient driving route depending on the fuel type of their car
The beta update to Google Maps was first revealed by 9to5Google.com, with the system still under development.
It will be an advancement on last year’s ‘eco-friendly routing’ feature, which vows to lower motorists’ carbon footprint – though warned journeys may take longer as a result.
Currently, it provides drivers with an alternative to the fastest and most direct routes, with an eco-friendly option being the one that’s best for the environment.
However, the upgrade being tested will adapt the route based on what is powering the vehicle – a combustion engine, batteries and electric motors – or a combination of the two.
The different types all have different characteristics, not least in how they optimise fuel and energy efficiency.
This means the routes provided to drivers of petrol and diesel cars could be very different to those offered to electric and hybrid vehicle owners.

Users will be able to specify the engine type of the vehicle they are driving, given the choice of petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric. Specific eco-friendly routes will be calculated for each
With EVs typically more efficient at lower speeds and hybrids able to make best use of their limited electric-only ranges in and around town, the routes for these models could be much different to those offered to drivers of cars with internal-combustion engines that have better fuel economy returns on motorways.
The system could also take into account how hilly or flat a particular route is to determine if it is more efficient for the type of car being used, as well as the different types of roads it will recommend taking if the user is eco conscious.
The volume of traffic lights on the route could also be taken into consideration, with stop-start journeys having a greater impact on the efficiency of petrol and diesel cars than electrified alternatives.
The update is most likely to benefit hybrid and EV drivers most and will be a welcome addition to Google Maps’ existing capacity to direct them to public charging points, which has been a feature of the navigation app in the UK since 2017.
The more tailored beta system will likely also provide fully-electric and plug-in hybrid car owners with the most range-efficient routes taking into account the need to stop to replenish their on-board batteries.
Beta version 11.39 of the app is currently being put through its paces, with 9to5Google.com saying it expects that owners of EVs and hybrids in America will have to wait ‘a few more weeks’ to experience the update.

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