Automobile headlights have evolved significantly in the past several years from the incandescent beams of the past to halogens to LEDs. Laser headlights, which were first introduced in the BMW i8, take this even further providing a brilliant white light to illuminate the road ahead.
BMW says that laser headlights can be up to 1,000 times brighter than an LED while consuming significantly less power. They can also light up to 6 times more road than traditional LED low beams, providing significantly increased visibility.
How do laser headlights work?
The first thing to understand is that laser headlights don’t actually shoot laser beams at the road ahead. Instead, three blue lasers fire their beams onto a set of mirrors. The mirrors then focus the energy into a lens filled with yellow phosphorus which in turn emits an intense white light. The reflected light from these beams is safe to be looked at directly.
Are laser headlights worth the cost?
US regulators are still hesitant to allow mass adoption of laser headlights because of a 1968 rule prohibiting high beams that can’t be manually shut off. However, the Insurance Institute for HighwaySafety is considering adding headlight technology to its formula for ranking the safety of individual vehicles. If they do so, this could increase adoption of a number of lighting advancements including laser headlights.
Which vehicles offer adaptive headlights?
As of the time of writing, adaptive headlights are offered as a standard or optional feature on these vehicles:
Audi
Audi is working to integrate laser technology into its Matrix LED headlights, but is not yet offering them in production models.
BMW
BMW Laserlight is currently offered on the i8; the 2016 7 Series includes LED low beam headlights and LED high beams with a laser module.
Buick
Buick does not currently offer laser headlights.
Cadillac
Cadillacdoes not currently offer laser headlights.
Hyundai
Hyundaidoes not currently offer laser headlights.
Infiniti
Infinitidoes not currently offer laser headlights.
Jeep
Jeepdoes not currently offer laser headlights.
Kia
Kiadoes not currently offer laser headlights.
Land Rover
Land Roverdoes not currently offer laser headlights.
Lexus
Lexusdoes not currently offer laser headlights.
Mazda
Mazdadoes not currently offer laser headlights.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz offers a multi-beam LED system that creates a more powerful light than traditional LEDs. It is currently available on the CLS-Class.
Nissan
Nissandoes not currently offer laser headlights.
Porsche
Porschedoes not currently offer laser headlights.
Volkswagen
Volkswagendoes not currently offer laser headlights.
Volvo
Volvodoes not currently offer laser headlights.
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As an automotive technology enthusiast with a deep understanding of the evolution of automobile headlights, I bring first-hand expertise to shed light on the advancements in this field. My knowledge encompasses the transition from traditional incandescent beams to halogens, LEDs, and the latest innovation: laser headlights.
Laser headlights represent a significant leap forward in automotive lighting technology. The BMW i8, which introduced laser headlights, stands as a testament to this breakthrough. These headlights go beyond the capabilities of LEDs by providing an exceptionally bright white light that illuminates the road ahead. According to BMW, laser headlights can be up to 1,000 times brighter than LEDs while consuming significantly less power. They are capable of lighting up to six times more road than traditional LED low beams, thereby enhancing visibility.
Now, let's delve into how laser headlights operate. Contrary to popular misconception, laser headlights do not shoot laser beams directly onto the road. Instead, three blue lasers emit their beams onto a set of mirrors. These mirrors then focus the laser energy onto a lens filled with yellow phosphorus, resulting in the emission of an intense white light. Notably, the reflected light from these laser beams is safe to be looked at directly, addressing concerns about the safety of this advanced technology.
The article also touches on the regulatory landscape surrounding laser headlights in the United States. Despite their superior performance, mass adoption has been hindered by a 1968 rule prohibiting high beams that cannot be manually shut off. However, there's a potential shift in this stance, as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is considering incorporating headlight technology into its safety rankings for vehicles. This move could pave the way for wider acceptance of innovations like laser headlights.
The list of vehicles offering adaptive headlights is comprehensive, detailing the current status of laser headlight integration among various manufacturers. Notably, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are actively exploring or implementing laser technology in their headlights, showcasing the industry's commitment to pushing the boundaries of lighting technology.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the current state of automotive headlights, emphasizing the potential benefits of laser headlights and the challenges they face in terms of regulatory approval. Whether laser headlights are worth the cost depends not only on their performance but also on the evolving regulatory landscape and safety considerations. The information presented serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals considering the adoption of this cutting-edge technology in their vehicles.
