Tag: Adaptive Headlights

  • Tesla Model Y Juniper Gets Adaptive High Beam Headlights Upgrade

    Tesla Model Y Juniper Gets Adaptive High Beam Headlights Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh will feature matrix headlights with adaptive high beams that adjust to prevent dazzling other drivers.

    2. Adaptive headlights for the Model Y in the US are expected to be activated within a couple of months, with a software update for existing models and included in the 2026 refresh.

    3. There is uncertainty about whether the adaptive high beam feature will be available at the Model Y’s launch in March.

    4. The adaptive headlights will automatically adjust the beam for better visibility, dimming specific pixels when other vehicles are nearby.

    5. Tesla has faced regulatory challenges in the US, but it is anticipated that the adaptive high beams will be activated soon.

    The new Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh is set to feature matrix headlights and will include adaptive high beams that automatically turn off certain pixel patterns to prevent dazzling other drivers.

    Adaptive High Beams Coming Soon

    European versions of Teslas, like the Model 3 Highland refresh, have had the adaptive high beams for some time now. However, the US regulations are lagging a bit behind.

    Lars Moravy, Tesla’s chief engineer, mentioned that the adaptive headlights feature for the Model Y in the US will be activated “in a couple of months.” Existing Model Y vehicles with matrix headlights will receive this update through software, while the 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh will come equipped with the adaptive headlights software right from the start.

    Release Date Uncertainty

    It’s still unclear whether the new Model Y facelift will have the adaptive high beam feature available when it launches in March, or if the “couple of months” refers to this model as well. The headlights on this new model are positioned a few inches lower than the previous Model Y and do not integrate into the front light bar.

    Initially, the update for Tesla’s adaptive headlights in the US will enable automatic high beam switching when passing another vehicle, according to Lars Moravy. The pixel pattern will then adjust to provide an optimal balance between visibility and consideration for other drivers.

    Improving Driving Experience

    “When Adaptive Headlights is enabled,” Tesla states, “the beam of the headlights adjusts automatically to improve your driving view.” This includes dimming specific pixels of the high beams when other traffic is nearby, automatically switching from low to high beams on the highway, and adjusting the beams around corners.

    Tesla has been discussing the introduction of adaptive high beams in the US for quite some time, and 2025 might finally see the actual launch of this sought-after feature.

    The delay is due to the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 being stricter than the vehicle headlight regulations in Europe. The rules require that “the adaptive driving beams must be designed to conform to the photometry requirements of Table XXI when tested according to S14.9.3.12,” among other complex stipulations.

    Navigating Regulations

    Navigating these regulatory challenges is no small feat, but Tesla appears to have successfully maneuvered through the bureaucratic hurdles in the US and is expected to activate the Model Y’s adaptive high beams soon.

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  • Tesla Updates Adaptive Matrix Headlights with Selective High Beam

    Tesla Updates Adaptive Matrix Headlights with Selective High Beam

    Tesla is on the verge of introducing its adaptive high beam headlights to US drivers, a feature that European owners have been enjoying.

    Confirmation from Tesla’s Chief Engineer

    Lars Moravy, Tesla’s chief engineer, has announced that the company is "almost there" in terms of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for launching these adaptive headlights in the US. This statement was made in response to a question about the benefits of these headlights, particularly after experiencing them in a rental Model Y. A recent drive in a Model Y from Giga Shanghai in Iceland has heightened my anticipation for the adaptive headlight feature in the US. On rough roads, I was able to stay close to my friends without ever blinding them with the high beams!

    Features Available in Europe

    Earlier this year, Tesla introduced the adaptive high beams with glare control across its vehicle lineup in Europe, including the Model Y and certain Model 3 units from 2021 to 2023 that are equipped with selective pixel dimming headlights. In addition, any new Tesla produced since January 2023 is expected to feature these matrix headlights as well. When Tesla rolled out the adaptive headlights in Europe, Moravy indicated that "more regions and features would follow as we secure necessary certifications." Now, it appears that the US market is finally being considered for this upgrade.

    Stricter US Regulations

    The regulations set by the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 are significantly more stringent than those in Europe, which explains the delay in American Teslas with matrix headlights receiving the adaptive high beams functionality. Once the necessary approvals are granted, Tesla typically takes just a few weeks to issue the software updates, meaning US vehicles could have adaptive headlights by the end of this year. At present, US models include a setting for automatic high beams, which adjusts the headlights for turns but lacks the full adaptive capability.

    When the genuine Adaptive Headlights feature becomes available for US owners, Tesla vehicles equipped with matrix headlights will have the ability to dim individual pixels when high beams illuminate other road users, preventing glare and enhancing safety.

    Lars Moravy (X)

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