Google Maps, Google’s mapping and navigation service, has become an essential tool for drivers. The application developed by the American technology giant offers a growing range to its users. For a long time, with Google Maps we can design routes, locate businesses or know the state of traffic, among many other options.
The company announced the launch of a new service that will alert drivers entering a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). It will do so this year first in the United States and then in other countries, according to the company, announcing that it will prioritize ecological routes to display its commitment to help combat climate change through its services.
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Google Maps is working on creating alerts to warn drivers when they are going to enter an area restricted to the circulation of non-polluting vehicles. The idea of the American company is to develop a system that helps drivers to identify the LEZs and inform them if their vehicle is authorized to circulate in them. If the car is denied access, the app will provide an alternative route to the driver and will also offer all the information necessary to choose an alternative mode of transport.
Countries that will have the service
The Low Emission Zones alerts will be also launched next June in Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Later, the service will be deployed in other European countries, as announced by Google leaders.
For now, in Spain, the BMW Group is already working on a similar operation for users of its plug-in hybrid vehicles. The German company has launched an innovative technology that automatically switches to electric driving the moment the car enters a low-emission zone.
Initial tests
The pilot test took place in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 2019 and was a success. After a few months in operation, drivers of plug-in hybrid vehicles covered around 90% of all routes within the eco-friendly zone with all-electric use.
Google Maps also reported that it will begin directing drivers along green routes. Those that it estimates that generate the least carbon emissions based on traffic and the number of slopes, among other factors. Unless users opt otherwise, the chosen route will be “eco-friendly” compared to alternatives in which almost the same time would be spent, company sources said.
Source I Agencia Reuters- La Vanguardia
Writting by I Jhonattan González
