Google worked with British car maker Jaguar Land Rover to develop an electric vehicle for measuring air quality street-by-street in Dublin.

The all-electric Jaguar I-Pace has been fitted with air-quality measuring sensors and Street View mapping technology. This is the first all-electric Google vehicle and will be used to measure street-by-street air quality in Dublin including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, and fine particles (PM2.5). It will also help update Google Maps.

The I-Pace, which offers zero tailpipe-emissions driving, has been equipped with mobile air sensors developed by California-based Aclima and has launched in Dublin to capture data over the next 12 months. Google’s scientific research partners will analyse the data and develop maps of street-level air pollution.

Jaguar Land Rover engineers have worked to integrate Google Street View technology into the vehicle, including roof mountings for the Street View camera, rear-window glass that allows for wiring and redesigned interior switchgear to incorporate Street View controls. With a focus on air quality, the I-Pace has cabin air ionisation and PM2.5 filtration to enhance occupant comfort and well-being.

Jaguar Land Rover has a commitment to become a net zero carbon business by 2039. To realise this, the car maker will collaborate with others to enhance sustainability and reduce emissions as well as sharing best practice in technology, data and software development.

“The integration of Google Street View technology with the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace is perfect for measuring air quality,” said Elena Allen, project manager for business development at Jaguar Land Rover. “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. Partnerships like this are one of the ways we can achieve our sustainability goals and make a positive impact on society.”

Google has partnered with Dublin City Council, as part of its Environmental Insights Explorer’s air quality programme to map hyperlocal air quality insights for cities to take action on their climate and health.

Google and Dublin City Council hope access to these data will help scientists, researchers and policymakers as they study air quality, as well as encourage people to make small but informed daily changes to help improve it.

“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 Paddy Flynn, vice president of geo operations at Google. “As part of this project, we’re using technology to capture these important data and make them accessible so that, together with Dublin City Council, we can drive planning.”