UK users of Google Maps appear to be the first to see a new feature which calculates the cost of fuel for a journey by road vehicles - an ideal feature for car hire users.
The tool has not been officially unveiled by Google, but was introduced in recent weeks to run within the directions section of Google Maps.
Once a user enters destinations in the From and To fields to obtain a route and detailed directions, a small note at the foot of the list includes the estimated fuel cost.
Users can open the link to change the type of fuel (diesel or petrol) and vehicle (standard, compact or high consumption). The fuel price is streamed in from elsewhere, but users can edit the price per litre of fuel.
Although currently restricted to the UK, expect it to arrive in other territories in the coming weeks and months.
There is no indication as to whether the fuel calculator could be included in the Google Maps API at a later date so car hire companies can integrate the tool.
UPDATE: Cost2Go says the tool is also now available in some European countries.
NB: Hat-tip Search Engine Land.