close
close
orange

Major changes to Google Maps to save Australian drivers money as petrol prices rise again

Vaseline

Google Maps has unveiled a new feature designed to help drivers find the most energy-efficient way home. This change allows users to compare the fastest route with the route that uses less fuel.

Billed as a sustainability initiative for the popular navigation app on Earth Day, the option is also likely to be a welcome money saver as the cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets in Australia. It comes after NRMA data showed the average fuel price in Sydney was 222.9 cents per liter last week, after rising from 23.3 cents per litre.

The app now also contains the location of charging stations for EV drivers. There are currently only 3,000 public charging stations nationwide, with a total of 7,000 individual plugs.

A driver returning to his car at a gas station, with a bowser in the foreground and a sign in the background showing fuel prices.A driver returning to his car at a gas station, with a bowser in the foreground and a sign in the background showing fuel prices.

With petrol prices rising in Australia, a new Google Maps option could help users save money. (Source: AAP)

The new features will be rolled out across Australia on Monday. Motorists can enter data about their vehicle’s engine type and the fuel it uses to find the most sustainable route.

RELATED

Google Maps’ Andrew Foster said the change will help drivers find sustainable transport options “faster and easier”.

Other Google Maps options to help reduce emissions

In Sydney and Melbourne, the app will also be updated in the coming weeks to include public transport and walking options where journey times are comparable.

“This feature encourages people to consider more environmentally friendly alternatives,” said Foster.

“It builds on our long-standing partnerships with local transport authorities to promote public transport and provide real-time information, including timetables and route options on Search and Maps,” he said.

A screenshot of the Google Maps option showing drivers how much fuel they can save by switching routes. Source: AAP/Google MapsA screenshot of the Google Maps option showing drivers how much fuel they can save by switching routes. Source: AAP/Google Maps

The new Google Maps option advises drivers on the percentage of fuel they can save by switching routes. Source: AAP/Google Maps

A separate update to the Google Flights app will allow users to estimate emissions before choosing a flight route.

This mode of transport produces approximately 2 to 3 percent of global emissions and is generally worse for the environment. According to The Guardian, a flight between Sydney and Melbourne would generate 185kg of CO2 per person, while a petrol car would only produce 105kg.

Get the latest Yahoo Finance news – follow us Facebook, LinkedIn And Instagram.

Related Posts