Automotive Lighting: Evolution and Costs
The Evolution of Headlights and Taillights
Over the years, the headlights and taillights of our cars have become increasingly complex. LED light signatures, which are becoming more and more spectacular, lead to high repair costs, according to a study by the SRA, the insurers' reference body.
A new model without its "light signature" is now almost unimaginable. Since the advent of LEDs, all manufacturers have used their models' lighting to make them more recognizable, both day and night. Even Dacia is following this trend with the latest Duster. But in the event of an accident, what will be the bill to replace these sophisticated optics? This is the question that the Association for Automotive Safety and Repair (SRA) answered in its latest study.
Cost of Replacing Optics
The SRA analyzed over thirty models, from the Alfa Romeo Tonale to the Volkswagen ID.4. The price of the various optics was checked using the Sidexa Qapter costing tool, with the exception of fog lights, the third brake light, reverse lights, and reflectors.
As with the previous SRA survey on bumpers, Hyundai tops the list for the highest bills. The Kona, with its original illuminated central strip, was initially priced at €9,257 including tax. After a 36% reduction, this price dropped to €5,941. This aesthetic element, which houses the daytime running lights, is well protected from small everyday bumps, but in the event of a breakdown or major accident, replacement may be necessary. The actual headlights, which are more exposed, each cost €1,096, while the rear strip amounts to €1,510. The total potential cost of replacing all optics reaches €14,635, or 40% of the vehicle's price, according to the SRA.
Headlight Replacement Costs: A Rapid Inflation
Insurers are denouncing the rampant inflation in the cost of replacing car headlights and taillights. The increasing sophistication of equipment and designer light signatures significantly increase expenses for motorists.
For example, the Kia EV6, another product from the Korean group, requires prohibitive replacement costs. Each headlight, including the taillights, costs €2,454. The tailgate strip reaches €2,447, bringing the total potential bill to €13,805. The Hyundai Tucson and its smaller sibling Niro are not far behind, with costs around €8,000. According to the SRA, most manufacturers show lighting replacement costs between €3,500 and €5,500, which is 5 to 10% of the vehicle's retail price.
Technological Solutions: Nissan's Anti-Glare Headlights
The advent of LED technology in car headlights has brought advantages such as improved visibility for the driver. However, it has also caused glare problems for oncoming drivers. To solve this problem, Nissan is developing LED headlights with a high-tech "anti-glare notch."
LED Technology and its Challenges
LED headlights, more powerful and energy-efficient than halogen headlights, have allowed for a reduction in the size of the optics and a modification of their shape. However, this stronger lighting can dazzle oncoming drivers. Adaptive headlights, which adjust the light beam to follow the car's trajectory, are a partial solution.
Nissan's Anti-Glare Headlights
Nissan uses computer-assisted ray-tracing technology to create LED headlights with an asymmetrical beam and an anti-glare notch. This technique blocks light for oncoming cars while providing optimal visibility for the driver. Thanks to sensors and cameras, these headlights can adjust the light beam in real time. Nissan plans to subject these headlights to a series of 300 tests before production.
Innovation and Safety
Brad Chisholm, an engineer at Nissan, explains that this technology allows for light to be focused with extreme precision, thus eliminating the need for bulky reflectors and projectors. This advancement not only improves road safety by reducing glare but also contributes to a cleaner and more compact vehicle design.
Mercedes-Benz and Blue Headlights: A World First
Mercedes-Benz will be the first manufacturer to test turquoise blue headlights on its Level 3 autonomous vehicles in California and Nevada. These headlights will illuminate when the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode, to signal to other road users that they should be cautious.
Autonomous cars continue to develop, although current news focuses more on the invasion of Chinese manufacturers. Many brands are still working on safer and more comprehensive autonomous driving solutions for the future.
A Clear Signal for Safety
Manufacturers like Xpeng, Tesla, and Ford are actively developing autonomous driving technologies. Mercedes-Benz, having surpassed Tesla in some areas, continues to develop its Drive Pilot system. The German company recently obtained official authorization from the states of California and Nevada to equip its cars with turquoise blue lights, in addition to conventional white lighting. These lights will allow police forces to more easily identify autonomous vehicles and check if occupants comply with regulations, such as phone use.
Innovative Taillights of the Audi Q6 E-Tron
Audi introduces a major innovation with the Q6 E-Tron's taillights, composed of 360 small OLED panels capable of displaying universal symbols to communicate with other drivers. These lights can display red triangles to signal an emergency or imminent danger, aiming to prevent accidents and improve traffic flow.
Stephan Berlitz, head of lighting development at Audi, explains that the choice of triangles as a universal danger symbol was carefully considered. The objective was to find a sign understandable by everyone, including children or people who cannot yet read.
Chinese Innovation: Zeekr and its Revolutionary Headlights
Chinese manufacturers, such as Zeekr, continue to innovate in automotive lighting. Zeekr, a brand of the Geely group, recently unveiled the first images of its fifth model, a 100% electric van named Mix. Inspired by the Tiangong space station, this vehicle features revolutionary headlights designed in France.
Chinese manufacturers have successfully embraced electrification, and their new electric cars continue to innovate, attracting increasing attention from the global market.
The Stakes of New Headlight Regulations
The new LED lights on recent vehicles can be more aggressive for the eyes than older halogen headlights. A joint study by several European countries revealed that many motorists miss halogen headlights, which admittedly consume more energy but are less harmful to the eyes with their warmer and more diffuse light.