The highways of the U.S. are finally embracing modern headlight technology that many parts of the world have utilized for over ten years. A handful of manufacturers, such as Tesla and Rivian, have recently experimented with adaptive lighting. Now, traditional automakers are introducing this advanced lighting technology to the U.S. market.
With the launch of the 2027 Audi Q7 and Q9, set to hit U.S. dealerships later this year, Audi will be showcasing its innovative digital Matrix LED adaptive lighting system in America for the first time. In the most recent episode of The Drivecast, Michael Kruppa, Head of Exterior Lighting for Audi AG, along with vehicle lighting and regulation expert Daniel Stern, chief editor of Driving Vision News, delve into the implications of this new lighting technology for the U.S., the reasons for the delay, and how various manufacturers are rolling out these lighting systems.
The U.S. is notoriously lagging behind globally in headlight technology. It’s not due to a lack of available technology, but rather outdated U.S. regulations have hindered automakers from deploying these modern innovations on American roads. Until now.
Back in 2021, a significant change occurred when the U.S. government finally reformed its headlight regulations through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, also known as H.R. 3684.
Car enthusiasts have been advocating for modern headlights for many years, and safety advocates share the same sentiment. Now, the time has finally arrived.
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Full Transcript
Joel: Today, we are in Munich, Germany, for a very special episode. We have Michael from Audi, who is a doctor and the Head of Lighting and Exterior Lighting for Audi. We’ll discuss modern lighting, legal regulations, and how we are finally entering the modern age in America. Europe has been ahead for years, right?
Michael: Absolutely.
Joel: We are about to catch up here in the U.S.
Michael: Yes, that’s our mission.
Joel: Can you share a bit about your background and how you got into lighting, so everyone knows your expertise?
Michael: Thank you for the introduction. My background includes a PhD in chemistry, which might seem unusual for someone in automotive. I spent a year in San Diego on a postdoctoral fellowship, and after that, I joined Osram Opto Semiconductors in Germany in 2006. During that time, we worked hard to introduce solid-state lighting into the automotive sector, convincing stakeholders of the reliability of LEDs for exterior car lighting.
After getting acquainted with Audi’s advancements, I dreamed of working for them, particularly admiring their daytime running lights first seen on the A5. I applied in 2012-2013, secured a job opportunity, and eventually joined Audi’s lighting team, starting with rear lighting projects, including digital OLEDs, and gradually progressing to function development, culminating in front lighting work.
Joel: It’s surprising to hear someone responsible for lighting mention that we had to convince people of LED reliability. In my experience, when I owned a 1997 Jeep Cherokee XJ, I swapped out the sealed-beam halogens for Hella housings with PIAA bulbs to enable bulb replacement. Nowadays, headlights are expensive, costing anywhere from $1,000 to $9,000, and they feature complex active systems.
We are now transitioning to a level where LEDs will mimic incandescent bulbs. Let’s discuss the regulations that have kept us behind in lighting technology. We all recognize that America lags Europe in this aspect.
Globally, matrix lighting has been a game-changer, and advancements like laser lights have been made while the U.S. clung to outdated regulations from the 1980s. Recent regulatory reform in 2022 has initiated change. However, automotive development timelines mean that new technologies take years to implement. Could you explain the past regulations and the changes that have enabled us to move toward modern lighting?
Michael: Your assessment is accurate. Globally, there have been challenges in discussing new possibilities offered by solid-state lighting. People needed to understand LED technology and its capabilities. Gradually, we enhanced functionality beyond just on/off; smaller LED components allowed for intricate light patterns and distributions. This contributes significantly to safety, especially at night, which should remain the main focus.
Light is becoming ubiquitous in our lives; however, we must avoid turning automobiles into disco balls on wheels. Our priority must be ensuring safety at night, which should align with regulatory goals to prevent excess light overflow on roads.
Everyone has experienced glare while driving at night, leading to a feeling of danger. We must address this in our regulations, with a keen focus on understanding both the benefits of light and the risks associated with over-illumination.
The upside is that with successful implementation of matrix lighting in Europe, we have effectively shown U.S. authorities the benefits of autonomous headlight systems. This technology offers the safety of automatically deactivating high beams when necessary without driver intervention. Drivers benefit from heightened road visibility without causing glare to oncoming vehicles, offering a safe driving experience for both parties.
By recognizing the technical capabilities versus regulatory limitations, we can approach discussions with authorities about safety. This approach ensures we focus on improving nighttime travel safety rather than merely deploying new technologies for their own sake.
Joel: You’ve articulated the importance of focusing on safety, light pollution, and preventing driver blinding. I frequently hear concerns about LED headlights in newer vehicles causing discomfort for other drivers. Many are unacquainted with the adaptive features that adjust bulb positions based on loading. With technological advancements, the era of adjusting headlights manually has ended.
We are approaching systems where LEDs can adapt and resemble incandescent lighting closely. Let’s dive deeper into the safety benefits of OLEDs, LEDs, and the upcoming matrix lights that enhance driver safety in detail for listeners.
Michael: Certainly. To start, LED technology itself does not inherently cause glare; it’s about how well the lamps are installed and aligned. Clean headlamps are also critical, as contaminants can scatter light, impacting visibility.
One advantage of LED lighting is the color temperature that closely aligns with daylight, thereby enhancing visibility in dim conditions. A clearer, bluish-white light helps keep drivers more alert and aware. The focus also lies in the distribution of light; it needs to extend beyond just what’s directly in front of the vehicle—expanding “field of view” is crucial to avoiding unforeseen hazards.
Joel: For instance, spotting deer by the roadside before they enter the road…
Michael: Exactly—detection before potential accidents is key. With the rear digital OLED, we aim for uniform light distribution to ensure clarity in signaling intentions to trailing drivers.
For example, we want distinct separation between indicators and brake lights to avoid confusion. By providing clarity in how vehicles are interacting, we enhance situation awareness on the road.
What we are also exploring with the Q7 and Q9 includes communication features through lights, like signaling potential hazards, thereby facilitating vehicle-to-everything communication and creating awareness for drivers around them.
Our philosophy shifts from waiting for reactions to proactive alerts, allowing drivers to be forewarned of potential hazards ahead.
Joel: To clarify, Rivian employs matrix LED headlights across its lineup and, due to regulations changing in 2022, has rapidly adapted their system. My observation was that the Rivian lights function actively for the driver, not blinding oncoming traffic, while providing intense illumination that feels almost like high beams. Can you elaborate on Audi’s philosophy regarding the behavior and adaptability of headlights compared to Rivian’s?
Michael: A crucial factor is the adaptive driving beam function, which is engineered to avoid glare. We must adhere to U.S. regulations, which are distinct from global ones. Our experience commenced in 2013 with technology that enhances safety, informing how we interact with varying light conditions.
Our adaptive regulation ensures a smooth transition rather than a rapid on/off effect; the system effectively manages light distribution based on other vehicles, ensuring minimal discomfort to drivers while maximizing visibility for the one in control.
In the case of Audi, our focus centers on fluid, seamless illumination rather than erratic flickering. The Digital Matrix LED light allows precision in filling light gaps without leaving significant areas dark, adhering to regulations while ensuring maximum efficiency in visibility.
Joel: It sounds like Audi’s approach can be described as elegant, similar to a theater curtain gradually rising, whereas Rivian’s system is more animated, exciting to some but potentially distracting to others. Are the differences in camera technologies influencing these distinct approaches?
Michael: Definitely. A combination of camera technology, software, and application influences how we control the release of light. Each manufacturer customizes how they implement these systems in alignment with regulations while considering user experience.
Our ambition is that every Audi offers a similar matrix experience, regardless of model. We avoid overly active lighting effects to promote a premium driving experience—favoring a continuous flow over jittery transitions, as this provides lasting comfort over time.
Joel: That’s a compelling point. Customers with modern cars exhibit advanced lighting features that remain dormant in the U.S. due to regulatory hurdles. Can Audi enable systems via software updates for those vehicles that have the necessary hardware?
Michael: Unfortunately, that isn’t feasible. Hardware configurations designed for European standards are incompatible with U.S. regulations, meaning modifications are necessary for critical testing. Such changes cannot occur through over-the-air updates.
Customers must wait for new models like the Q7 and Q9, which incorporate the latest technology in their design philosophy, ensuring compliance with these evolving standards.
Joel: To clarify, it’s not that the existing technology would fail in America; it’s simply that the regulations require stricter adherence, making modifications to the current systems impossible.
Michael: Correct. Although functional, existing systems would not pass regulatory testing in the U.S. Our goal has always been to ensure compliance while delivering premium lighting experiences, emphasizing quality and safety.
Joel: Regarding variations in regulations across different regions, like the U.S., China, and Germany, making global standards for lighting seems ideal, yet complicated. Would it simplify processes if there was a universal standard?
Michael: If I could have it my way, there would be a singular global standard. Failing that, I aim to adapt to local requirements. With our Digital Matrix technology, we can approach authorities to show the benefits of innovations while remaining receptive to their feedback.
Progress remains essential as we continuously demonstrate that new technologies can indeed enhance safety while respecting localized demands.
Joel: I appreciate your insights. Thank you for joining the podcast; it’s been an enlightening discussion. As modern headlights advance, I look forward to seeing how these changes improve driving safety.
Michael: Safe travels, especially during nighttime.
Joel: We are now joined by Daniel Stern, a vehicle lighting and regulation expert, and Chief Editor of Driving Vision News, a prominent lighting industry journal. Thank you for joining us, Daniel.
Daniel: Thanks for having me.
Joel: You’ve heard Michael’s views on Audis matrix LED system. Given your extensive knowledge of lighting systems, why has America lagged in adopting modern headlights compared to the rest of the world?
Daniel: It fundamentally comes down to regulatory differences. The U.S. operates independently with its own standards, contrasting with the global practices the rest of the world follows.
Joel: This mirrors other automotive issues in the U.S. system.
Daniel: Exactly. The variations in regulations across countries reflect a disconnect, and there are ample studies arguing that there’s no justification for the U.S. having differing standards unless that applies to maintaining public safety.
Joel: As Audi and Rivian prepare to launch advanced headlight systems, what are your thoughts on their differing implementations? Audi’s transition appears smoother compared to Rivian’s more dynamic approach.
Daniel: The methods of integrating these systems differ significantly between brands. Audi’s continuous lighting application contrasts with Rivian’s more animated approach, reflecting a broader trend in how headlights are marketed—both enhancing safety.
While some may prefer the excitement of constant change, others may appreciate a more consistent, fluid experience. As we embrace modern lighting innovations, the ultimate objective remains safety, adapting to various driving conditions without causing distraction.
Joel: That echoes what Michael mentioned regarding safety, light pollution, and the implications of driver glare. Are these significant factors in developing these systems?
Daniel: Certainly. While advancements may reduce glare, there’s ongoing conversation regarding light pollution with brighter headlight technologies. However, improving visibility without sacrificing glare remains a win for safety.
Adaptive driving beams are effective tools for optimizing light, allowing drivers to see better while minimizing glare for others. Nevertheless, limitations exist, especially in dense traffic where maximum effectiveness may not be achievable.
Joel: I share your view. As a lighting enthusiast, my priority is always greater visibility under every condition. However, I agree there’s a threshold where excessive brightness can become troublesome.
Daniel: The focus should be on proper light distribution rather than merely increasing brightness. Adaptive systems help refine how light is directed, contributing to the overall driving experience.
Joel: Kruppa asserted that Audi’s solution excels due to its smooth transitions without harsh lights. Do you find value in the seamless experience over more dynamic implementations?
Daniel: Absolutely, implementation quality is key. There’s tremendous diversity in available technologies in the market today. Audi’s focus on user comfort and smooth transitions enhances overall driving satisfaction while ensuring safety.
That said, Rivian’s system, while different, still offers valuable capabilities that set it apart. Consumer preference may ultimately dictate which approach gains wider acceptance in the long term.
Joel: Thank you, Daniel, for your perspectives on these revolutionary technologies. I look forward to seeing how they evolve in the future!
Daniel: Thank you for having me on.