> Google Maps will soon default to the route with the lowest carbon footprint

This is not the title of the blog. And that matters because this doesn't make sense.

The fastest route should be the lowest carbon footprint, which it should currently default too.

"road incline and traffic congestion"

I find it unlikely road incline makes 'any' significant percentage difference. I'd want to see the mathematics on this. Adding this complexity seems like PR BS.

'Traffic congestion' might make a difference, sitting still in traffic might be better than going around. Not good for your mental health though.

How about better directions so we make less wrong turns and also save on CO2 emissions. How about better predictions on congestion. A better product will do both.