Google Maps In India To Get Fuel-Efficient Routing, Live View Walking Navigation Features

With most drivers in the country concerned about fuel economy, Google India on Tuesday introduced its fuel-efficient routing feature for Google Maps. Since its launch in several countries between October 2021-September 2023, the feature is estimated to have prevented more than 2.4 million metric tons of CO2e emissions globally — equivalent to removing approximately 500,000 fuel-based cars from the road for a year.

Starting January next year, Google Maps users in India will be able access fuel-efficient routing feature for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers, which will provide more sustainable travel options. India and Indonesia will be the first countries for which the fuel-efficient routing feature will also support two-wheelers.

“We have hundreds of millions of users coming to Google Maps monthly to get multi-modal directions and for navigation. This includes walking, two wheelers, four wheelers, public transport and more. For driving, as people become more conscious of their carbon footprint, we are bringing our fuel-efficient routing feature to India,” Miriam Karthika Daniel, Vice President and General Manager, Google Maps, said in a statement.

“We apply AI to understand real-time traffic data, road elevation, and even your vehicle’s engine type, to identify the route that minimizes fuel and emissions. For example, hybrid and electric vehicles perform better in stop-and-go traffic, while diesel engines use less fuel at higher speeds. This helps save fuel and encourage sustainable route choices, without significantly impacting travel time,” noted Daniel.

Google Maps Getting Live View Walking Navigation

Google India also announced introducing Live View walking navigation in the country at the press event in New Delhi. With this feature, users will see arrows, directions and distance markers overlaid on the screen of Google Maps, which will helping them  figure out which way to head in. This will be a significant improvement over the current Maps experience for those who like walking.

“We are excited to bring Live View walking navigation to India. Your phone will also vibrate when it’s time to make a turn or you’ve reached your destination. Live View walking navigation is coming to over 3,000 cities and towns in India, starting with Android,” Daniel noted.

The company did not mention when the fetaure will roll out for iOS users.

“We’re bringing innovations like Lens in Maps and Live View walking navigation to India by combining Street View imagery along with advanced AI and AR technologies to create these immersive experiences,” Daniel explained.