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You seem to know a lot about headlights. Can you explain how the Model 3 headlights work? Nobody seems to really know what the daytime running headlights will look like or anything like that. I haven't been able to find any good pictures that showcase the individual lighting options, especially in the dark.Laser technology has been clearing some hurdles recently in the US market. The tech is out in certain models in Europe but regulations have been slowing the implementation here in the US.
Laser technology had to be cleared by the FDA at first, yes, Food & Drug Administration since it is categorized as a medical device as lasers emit radiation. Recently laser headlights have been passed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and are DOT approved. Now automakers can legally offer the laser technology but it will likely be a slow trickle down process. The BMW i8 was the first to offer laser lights and now Audi offers them in a limited production run (25) of a $230,000 R8.
On the i8 the laser lights are a ~$7,000 option and I would suspect the option pricing from Audi would be similar if not even higher so it is an expensive option for an automaker to offer on a car. Given the factory performance of the Model S HID and facelifted-Model S and Model X LED headlights, it is clear headlight performance is not a priority for Tesla.
The photos of the Model 3 show that the headlights will have a full LED system which appears very similar to the current MS and MX headlights, using multiple small reflector bowls to direct light from the multiple diode locations. Without knowing the specifics and making assumptions off the design, it looks like Visteon will be producing the headlights once again and unfortunately the performance will likely be uninspiring like the MS and MX.
Given the price point of the M3 I don't foresee laser lights being an option any time soon. If Tesla adopted the tech it would likely be showcased on the flagship vehicle and eventually trickle down over time. Hopefully this happens sooner than later...
Evan
I have both Model S and Model X Adaptive LED clusters in my possession as well as Model S HID and will be doing some testing in the near future.
M3 Reference photos
Agreed for the most part that LED technology, once optimized, will leave little void to fill. That being said the efficiency of lasers is the most appealing aspect.TBH I think properly done LED headlights is more than enough for most cars. Laser would be an overkill. I understand that there is a need to try further improve beam scatter but we have enough tools in existing technologies to achieve that without lasers.
You seem to know a lot about headlights. Can you explain how the Model 3 headlights work? Nobody seems to really know what the daytime running headlights will look like or anything like that. I haven't been able to find any good pictures that showcase the individual lighting options, especially in the dark.
I see a lot of lines and shapes but I don't know anything about headlight design. Are the lines LED lighting strips? Do they light up? Is that the reflector bowl design? How can we expect the lights to look when only daytime runners are on? What about only the main illuminating headlights? Both?
Model S/X has "signature lights" which is the halo around the edge. Does it look like the Model 3 will do something similar? Will the signature lights be that reverse L-shaped strip below the white blob up top? Will it be the white blob? Or will they be one of the two strips along the bottom edge? The last pic you linked seems to show that there is no real "signature" lighting since only the top white blob appears to be lit. Both Model S and X are distinguished by unique lighting designs during the day when the headlights are not on; will Model 3 really just be a boring blob at the top of the headlights?
I know you don't have all the answers, but I would appreciate any speculation you or anybody else could provide. Let me re-emphasize that I don't know *sugar* about headlights so sorry if this sounds incredibly ignorant!
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yes, Food & Drug Administration since it is categorized as a medical device as lasers emit radiation.
yes, it should be labeled.Did my cat toy laser require FDA approval
I'm hoping the turn signals are down in the bumper as well. Many cars now have blinkers so close to the headlights, it is difficult {at best} to see them. Some manufacturers are going as far as turning off the headlight on the side of the turn signal when the signal is selected. However, the way those who cancel the headlight accommodate driving with hazard flashers in low light situations is beyond my estimation.I think the turn signal is on the "bumper" and mirrors.
I'm hoping the turn signals are down in the bumper as well. Many cars now have blinkers so close to the headlights, it is difficult {at best} to see them.
I think the turn signal is on the "bumper" and mirrors.
I agree. I dislike very much when turn signals are too close to headlights or DRLs and it makes it difficult to see them.I'm hoping the turn signals are down in the bumper as well. Many cars now have blinkers so close to the headlights, it is difficult {at best} to see them. Some manufacturers are going as far as turning off the headlight on the side of the turn signal when the signal is selected. However, the way those who cancel the headlight accommodate driving with hazard flashers in low light situations is beyond my estimation.
Which manufacturers turn off the headlight?Some manufacturers are going as far as turning off the headlight on the side of the turn signal when the signal is selected.
Single point is still used because it works. Once get all fancy trying to make shapes and such, beam will just not be very effective as its spread out and loses focus. DRLs on the other hand, don't necessarily need to be crisp and focused, hence why we see much more creativity in those. Besides, until safety regulations are changed, there is not much freedom to deviate from headlight designs.Just a bit of random musing...
Why does a headlight (or a taillight) have to maintain the single-point-of-light model that was necessary in the old incandescent days? With LEDs all kinds of headlights are possible - imagine a strip of light from left to right across the front of the car as a headlight. Or, eisbock above refers to the Model S/X "signature lights"; it seems to me that a headlight could be fashioned in the stylized "T" logo that Tesla uses and have a real "signature light". Say, a "T" on the left, and a "3" on the right. Wouldn't that be unique? Perhaps a script "Tesla" across the nose that glows as a DRL in the day, and brightens to form a headlight at night?
One advantage of this is that the overall brightness of the headlight could be higher, while at the same time the intensity of any portion of it would be lower. As a result, there'd be a lot less "blinding" of other drivers should they get flashed by the headlight due to bumps or grading of the road.
Maybe the extra cost of building and aligning this style of headlight would prevent it from use in a low cost vehicle, but I think it would be cooler than heck to see "Maserati" coming up behind me in lights...