Another route option, which is relevant in the warm months, is to take routes that have plenty of shading from trees. The reason for this is that it will reduce the workload on your auto climate control, which is driven by the high-voltage battery pack and/or the engine. For the newer hybrid models this can also mean saving more of the battery charge since the A/C will not draw as much power (especially during auto idle stop).
It also means you get to smell the flowers like honeysuckle or magnola and often see if anyone is out fishin'.
Bob Wilson