Tag: Adaptive Headlights

April 13, 2025
Tesla Spring Update: Model Y Gains Adaptive Headlights & 12V Outlets
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla’s 2025 Spring Release software update introduces adaptive high beams for Model Y and Model 3 vehicles in the US, enhancing nighttime visibility.
2. Owners can check for matrix headlights by navigating to Controls > Lights > Adaptive Headlights after the update is installed.
3. The adaptive headlights adjust brightness based on oncoming traffic and road conditions, improving visibility while reducing glare.
4. Other features in the update include powered outlets and a customizable trunk lid opening height based on location.
5. The update extends adaptive headlights to older Model Y models, which are still prevalent on the roads today.
Tesla has begun the rollout of its major 2025 Spring Release software update, which finally introduces the long-awaited adaptive high beams feature for vehicles equipped with matrix headlights in the United States.
This feature has already been available in other parts of the world, and new Model Y and Model 3 owners have been enjoying it. Now, Tesla is extending adaptive headlights to the older Model Y, which still makes up a significant portion of the cars on the road today.
How to Check for Matrix Headlights
To see if your Model Y is equipped with matrix headlights, it’s quite easy. After the Spring Update is installed, users can navigate to Controls > Lights > Adaptive Headlights to enable the feature as needed.
In the case of the Model 3, Tesla notes that “when traffic is approaching and the high beam headlights are on, individual pixels of the high beam headlights dim to reduce glare.”
Enhanced Visibility at Night
The update also mentions that “when the low beam headlights are on, and you are driving on a highway, the headlights adjust to illuminate more of the road.” Furthermore, it highlights that “the headlights also adjust to curves on the road ahead to provide greater visibility at night.”
As for the legacy Model Y and other vehicles with matrix headlights in the US, Tesla simply states, “by detecting other road users, and selectively dimming individual pixels of the headlight, your high beams stay on more often for greater visibility at night.” It doesn’t mention the adaptive cornering feature, leaving uncertainty on whether it will be included or come in a later update.
Other Features in the Update
In addition to the adaptive headlights, there are a variety of other new features available for the US and Canada in this Spring Release software update.
While the standout updates include the adaptive high beams and powered outlets, a surprising addition is the ability to remember the trunk lid opening height based on the location of the Model Y—a much-requested feature.
Source:
Link
Tags: Adaptive Headlights, Model Y, Tesla
March 28, 2025
Model Y Adaptive High Beams Test Reveals Legacy Matrix Headlight Insights
Key Takeaways
1. The adaptive high beams feature will soon be available for the legacy Model Y in the US through an over-the-air software update.
2. The 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh will come with adaptive headlights fully operational from the factory.
3. Regulatory challenges in the US have delayed the rollout of adaptive high beams compared to European models.
4. Initial updates for legacy Model Y owners may include basic functions like automatic high/low beam switching.
5. Future updates will enhance the adaptive matrix headlight features, allowing for advanced adjustments without blinding other drivers.
Tesla’s chief engineer, Lars Moravy, has recently announced that the adaptive high beams feature, which has been available to European drivers for some time, will soon be available for the legacy Model Y in the US in “several months.”
New Features in 2026 Model Y Juniper Refresh
The upcoming 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh will come with the adaptive headlights feature ready to use right from the factory, and it has already been tested on public roads. Since 2021, Tesla vehicles have been equipped with matrix headlights that allow individual pixels to be turned on or off. However, the adaptive function has been restricted due to regulatory issues. The US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 is more stringent compared to the European regulations, meaning Tesla has to deal with more regulatory hurdles before they can enable the adaptive high beams for the legacy Model Y.
Upgrades for Older Units
For the older Model Y units that have matrix headlights, the adaptive high beams will be made available through an over-the-air software update, similar to the rollout in Europe. In contrast, the new Model Y will come with the adaptive headlights control software fully unlocked right from the factory. “When Adaptive Headlights is enabled, the beam of the headlights adjusts automatically to improve your driving view,” Tesla explains.
Real-World Demonstrations
One customer who purchased the Launch Series Model Y edition captured two brief videos showcasing the automatic high beams feature in action, giving a sneak peek of what legacy Model Y owners can expect later this year. Nonetheless, according to Lars Moravy, the initial update might only include simpler functions, like automatically switching between high and low beams when approaching other vehicles. Tesla plans to later roll out the complete range of adaptive matrix headlight features for the legacy Model Y, which will include dimming specific pixel patterns to enhance visibility while ensuring that other drivers are not blinded, as well as beam adjustments during turns.
Source:
Link
Tags: Adaptive Headlights, Lars Moravy, Tesla Model Y
February 11, 2025
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.
Source:
Link
Tags: Adaptive Headlights, matrix headlights, Tesla Model Y
October 29, 2024
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)
Tags: Adaptive Headlights, Model Y, Tesla