Motor expert outlines how a handful of simple Google Maps optimisations could help reduce fuel use and improve efficiency for taxi drivers
- Perry Richardson
- 14 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Taxi drivers and motorists facing sustained pressure from rising running costs are being urged to make better use of existing digital tools, after a senior figure at used parts marketplace Ovoko highlighted several Google Maps settings that can influence fuel consumption and trip efficiency.
While the guidance is aimed at everyday drivers, the points carry relevance for fleet operators, ridehail platforms and businesses managing high-mileage staff who rely on navigation apps daily.
The advice comes as fuel spend remains a significant expense for households and commercial operators. Even fractional gains can make a material difference over the course of a year, particularly for taxis, delivery services and logistics firms that are already reviewing routing, telematics data and driver behaviour to control costs.
Ovoko’s Supplier Excellence Manager, Kazimieras Urbonas, said recent updates within Google Maps are allowing users to tailor routing choices in ways that directly support lower fuel burn.
One of the most consequential settings highlighted by Urbonas relates to fuel-efficient routing. The tool prioritises routes based on predicted energy use rather than only travel time, incorporating gradients and typical congestion levels. Google’s internal testing has indicated potential fuel savings on some journeys, a development likely to interest operators managing large fleets where small percentage reductions compound quickly. This one is more for private hire drivers and cabbies working to a fixed fare price who can deviate from what is regarded the cheapest and shortest route.
Urbonas also pointed to the engine-type setting, which allows the app to distinguish between petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles. The feature influences which routes are recommended, aligning with how different powertrains respond to hills, stop-start conditions and steady-speed roads. For mixed fleets, the setting provides a simple way to ensure each vehicle is routed in a manner that suits its characteristics without relying on more complex telematics integrations.
Further efficiency gains are linked to offline map downloads, reduced reliance on in-vehicle charging, and advance traffic checks that allow drivers to avoid idling in congestion. Urbonas noted that brief pre-departure checks of live road conditions can influence departure times and reduce wasted fuel, something many business drivers already practise but often without the support of app-based alerts.
Multi-stop planning was another feature highlighted. For firms carrying out scheduled or ad-hoc calls across towns or cities, optimising the sequence of destinations minimises unnecessary mileage. The setting has long been available, though Urbonas said many drivers continue to input stops manually during the day rather than planning the full sequence at the outset. He added that keeping speed-limit alerts active helps maintain steadier driving patterns, giving drivers clearer speed awareness on unfamiliar roads.
The guidance reflects a broader trend across the industry where modest behavioural changes, supported by existing technology, can deliver meaningful operational savings. Although the advice targets consumers, the same principles apply at scale for commercial fleets, particularly those combining app-based navigation with fuel monitoring tools. With margins tight across the transport sector, even incremental gains remain attractive for operators looking to curb outgoings without major capital investment.
Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, said: “These Google Maps features are free tools that most drivers already have access to, but simply aren't using. The savings might seem small on individual journeys, but over weeks and months, they accumulate into real money back in your pocket.
“Technology works best when paired with smart driving habits. Use these settings alongside basics like checking your tyre pressure regularly, avoiding aggressive acceleration, and removing unnecessary weight from your car. Together, these changes can reduce your fuel consumption by 15-20%.
“In today's economic climate, where every household is looking to cut costs, it makes sense to use every advantage available. Your phone is already helping you navigate. Let it help you save money too.”
