14 DAY TRIAL // Google has quietly introduced a small but interesting new feature in Google Maps. When getting driving directions, Maps will now also display estimated fuel costs, which can be adjusted for the type of car you drive. The feature is live only in Europe for now, apparently it was introduced in the past couple of weeks at some point.
The feature is simple enough. Just plan a route via Google Maps and, along with the turn-by-turn directions, you will also get an estimated fuel cost, at the very bottom of the directions.
The fuel costs vary depending on the country's currency and the average price for gas or diesel. If you believe the estimates are off you can customize some of variables used to calculate the costs.
You can choose between three types of cars, depending on the mileage you get on your car you can select between Compact, Standard and High consumption.
You can also switch between Petrol and Diesel as well as provide a more accurate price for the fuel than the one set by default. The estimate seems to be fairly accurate, though there's still a fairly large margin for error.
But for planning a trip, the figure should give you an idea of how much you'll pay for the fuel. The feature is probably being rolled out in other places as well so if you don't see it yet, you should soon.
The feature could also be included in the mobile apps or in Google Maps Navigation for mobile, since you're more likely to use them while driving.
Very recently, Google rolled out an interface revamp replacing the ugly looking tabs with more intuitive buttons. The new interface for map type and layers select is a step forward, though it probably still needs some polish. Google regularly introduces new features, small changes are preferred to big updates.