New technology in Britain next year will allow motorists to drive more economically despite record-high petrol prices.

Google’s introduction to ‘eco friendly routing’ to its Maps navigation software is the first. This will offer drivers an alternative route to the fastest and most direct, as well as one that is better for the environment.

It promises to reduce your carbon footprint and save fuel costs, but the greener directions will take more time, which may delay the fastest estimated arrival time. 

Volvo has launched a second eco-focused app for its latest EVs. It will provide live advice on driving style and efficiency.

Google Maps to offer eco-friendly route option: From 2022, UK drivers will be told if they can take a different route to their destination that's longer but also reduces their carbon footprint

Google Maps to offer ecofriendly route option: UK drivers will soon be informed if they are able to take a longer route to their destination. This will happen starting in 2022.

Google’s new nav feature has been launched in America for both Android users and Apple users. It will also be available in the UK in 2022.  

The app offers the fastest route based upon live traffic data. There are other options, however, that might not be as fast.

However, the new eco-friendly routing tool provides motorists with an alternative choice. It will allow them to choose a path that uses the least fuel, or electricity, if they are driving an electric vehicle. 

Google claims that the system uses both AI and insights from Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, (NREL), to determine the most efficient way to travel. 

This is done by considering current congestion levels and routes with fewer hills and corners. This reduces the need to accelerate and slow down repeatedly, which in turn increases fuel consumption.

If the fastest route is not the most efficient, they will only be given one option. They will have the option to choose if the eco-friendly route is more difficult.  

Pre-displayed information will include fuel savings, carbon impact, and additional time required to complete a journey. This allows motorists to make informed decisions about whether to take the most polluting route or not.

If users don’t like the eco-friendly routing function, they can choose to disable it. 

Google estimates that the introduction of the system could save approximately one million tonnes of carbon dioxide from transport each year. This is equivalent to removing 200,000 cars off the roads. It also saves drivers money by not having fuel to fill up as often as before. 

Google says that the system uses both artificial intelligence and insights from the Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to calculate the most efficient journey

Google claims that the system uses both AI and insights from Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, (NREL), to calculate the most efficient way to get there.

Fuel savings, the difference in carbon impact and the additional time taken to complete a journey will be displayed so motorists can make an informed decision about driving the least-polluting route or not

So motorists can make informed decisions about whether to take the most polluting route.

Jeff Gonder from NREL, said: ‘Not only does Google Maps’ eco-friendly routing bring NREL’s fuel-efficient technology from the lab to the road, but it has huge potential to significantly lower emissions and save drivers money — something that’s good for both people and the planet.’

The eco-friendly routing update was one of a series of updates to Maps, which also include new features and information about scooter and bike sharing schemes around the globe.

The ‘lite’ navigation function allows cyclists quick access to important information about their route, such as trip progress or estimated arrival time. It does not require them to turn on their screen or enter turn-by–turn navigation.

Volvo will provide driver efficiency coaching for its EV owners via the ‘Range Assistant App’

Owners of Volvo’s £48,300 XC40 Recharge and £57,400 C40 Recharge will soon have access to a new app that will coach them on how to drive more efficiently while they’re behind the wheel. 

Range Assistant allows drivers to keep track of their car’s available range, optimise it through smart energy use, and provide ‘advice on driving style and efficiency’.

It will be released in the ‘beta version’ shortly via an over-the air software update via Android Automotive OS infotainment. 

Owners of Volvo's £48,300 XC40 Recharge and £57,400 C40 Recharge will soon have access to a new app that will tell them how to drive more efficiently

Owners of Volvo’s £48,300 XC40 Recharge and £57,400 C40 Recharge will soon have access to a new app that will tell them how to drive more efficiently

The full release version will also provide coaching to drivers with 'smart and easy-to-follow recommendations on how to adjust their driving style and speed to maximise the car’s range'

The full version of the software will provide drivers with coaching that provides’smart, easy-to-follow suggestions on how to adjust their driving style to maximize the car’s range.

“With the app embedded seamlessly in the Android powered infotainment system (Android-powered), fully electric Volvo cars can get a clear, accurate indication of the remaining driving range and current energy consumption. 

The brand states that it helps drivers understand the key factors that impact their driving range.

The app’s range optimiser functionality can adjust the climate system to improve driving range. This feature is especially useful for longer trips as it reduces the number of charging stops.

The full release version will also include coaching for drivers, with “smart and simple-to-follow recommendations on what to do to adjust their driving style and speed in order to maximise the car’s range”. 

The rollout of software updates is expected to begin immediately. All models will be updated by October.

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