Google Maps has a new GREEN icon on journeys – this is what it means

GOOGLE Maps is adding a green leaf next to some journeys – but what does it mean?

The good news is that this green leaf could actually save you some money.

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Google Maps receive updates all the time.

And sometimes, new features roll out with minimal fanfare.

Earlier this year, Google confirmed that the Green Leaf icon would begin appearing on user phones.

You might see it when you’re navigating to somewhere with multiple route options.

What does the Green Leaf mean?

The Green Leaf is a signifier of the most fuel-efficient route.

It will show up next to preferred transport modes like walking and cycling by default.

But it also appears on car journeys, signifying when fuel efficiency will be better with a certain route.

This would often by the shortest route – but not always.

Google uses artificial intelligence to calculate how things like traffic, road elevation and the smoothness of your journey (starting and stopping) will affect fuel efficiency.

This system may find that a longer route is more fuel efficient.

And Google will flag this to you with the Green Leaf symbol.

If the routes are about the same length, the Green Leaf version will appear as the preferred route.

Using this route could save you a little money when filling up the tank.

And the same is true if you’re re-juicing an electric car instead.

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