2024-01-19 15:53:06
Through a simple software update, Tesla is enabling a long-awaited feature on its electric cars. This is the arrival of adaptive matrix high beams. We explain to you why this is a big step forward in terms of safety for night driving as well as the models concerned.
For several years, all Teslas have been sold with matrix LED headlights (matrix LED). This is also the case for other cars, whether electric or not. But this is mainly reserved, for the moment, for high-end models. A significant difference in the design of the lights, which allows unprecedented precision in car lighting.
Until now, Tesla had not really used the adaptive lighting possibilities offered by matrix LED headlights. The only functionality was the “light show”. The famous sound and light show worthy of Jean-Michel Jarre, which uses the car’s sound system as well as the headlights. Teslas equipped with matrix LED headlights had the privilege of being able to project words on a wall, like a video projector.
Adaptive headlights are finally here
But a recent update spotted by German forums TTF and relayed by Note a Tesla App totally changes the situation. Now, LED matrix headlights finally serve a purpose on Teslas. As we can read in the release note, “ high beams now adjust to reduce glare for other drivers and cyclists“. It is not a question of automatically switching from high beams to low beams as was the case until now.
Left: without adaptive headlights; on the right: with
We can indeed read that “ By detecting other road users and dimming the lighting at each pixel, the high beams can stay on longer, allowing better visibility at night« .
A (free) function reserved for the new Model 3
For the moment, this novelty seems only reserved for the new restyled Tesla Model 3, named Highland. But it is possible that this update will also be pushed to the brand’s other electric cars incorporating matrix LED headlights, like the old Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X.
Chez Frandroid, we have already driven many cars with this type of headlight. It’s simply stunning, with a huge leap forward in terms of comfort and safety at night. In practice, the car remains constantly in full headlights, but creates shadow zones within the light beam, so as not to dazzle other road users.
Matrix LED headlights also illuminate certain areas of the road, such as the approaches to a bend, or signs on the side of the road. Each manufacturer configures their lighting system as they see fit. It is even possible to display shapes and illustrations on the ground, to warn other road users of an upcoming overtake, for example. Or to announce to pedestrians that the car will stop to let them pass.
It is possible that Tesla will therefore evolve it through updates to offer even more features. Let us also point out that matrix LED headlights are often an expensive option among traditional car manufacturers. Here, Tesla offers it free to its customers through a simple software update to be carried out over Wi-Fi.
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