Google Street View has taken delivery of its first pure electric car, with Jaguar’s I-Pace taking the crown as the landmark Google Maps-mapping EV.
What’s more, the zero-emissions Jaguar will also be used to measure air quality, thanks to a battery of onboard sensors.
It is part of a 12-month ‘Air View Dublin’ project in the Irish capital, with scientists aiming to create detailed maps of street-level air pollution.
“The integration of Google Street View technology with the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace is the perfect solution for measuring air quality,” said JLR’s Elena Allen.
“We are delighted to support this project as it aligns with our own journey to becoming an electric-first business and achieving net zero carbon by 2039.”
The I-Pace’s specialised mobile air sensors will measure NO2, CO2 and fine-particle PM2.5 – while also helping update Google Maps.
The Street View camera is mounted on the roof, and JLR engineers have fitted new rear window glass to incorporate the wiring. The dashboard has also been modified to incorporate the Google Street View controls.
“Air quality is a serious concern, especially for cities, but there is a gap in terms of localised data and insights available to both decision makers and citizens,” said Google’s Paddy Flynn.
“As part of this project, we’re using technology to capture this important data and make it accessible so that, together with Dublin City Council, we can drive solution planning.”
Jaguar adds that the occupants of the I-Pace over the next 12 months will also be well protected, thanks to onboard cabin air ionisation and PM2.5 filtration…
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