Good news for American Tesla owners, you’re soon going to experience matrix headlights (if not already), on your cars. Adaptive Matrix headlights are a popular feature already enjoyed by Tesla drivers in Europe.
Matrix LED headlights have already been there in Europe since Tesla’s 2024.2 software update. Regulatory hurdles in North America delayed their full functionality, leaving Tesla owners eager for their turn.
These headlights stayed a hot topic for Tesla owners in North America as U.S. and Canadian regulations delayed their release.
Now in recent turns of events, Lars Moravy, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, hinted at its arrival saying “almost there” for the functionality on X. Here’s what we know so far!
Tesla To Finally Offer Adaptive Headlights To All Teslas
Tesla took its sweet time to get the matrix headlights to America mainly due to strict US regulations. While Transport Canada approved adaptive headlights back in 2018, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) took longer to allow them.
Only last year did the NHTSA update regulations to permit these headlights. However, the automakers are required to meet specifications and comply with relevant testing for the legal status.
Almost there @DBurkland
— Lars (@larsmoravy) October 25, 2024
With the regulatory green light in place, other automakers, like Rivian, have already introduced adaptive headlights in the U.S. However, Tesla and automakers like Audi have taken extra time to fine-tune the technology.
According to Lars Moravy’s latest post on X, they’re now “almost there” in their work to bring the feature to North America, meaning owners could see it on their vehicles soon.
Tesla introduced matrix headlights in Europe earlier this year with software update 2024.8, but many North American models were left out. Mostly, the Tesla FSD vehicles were not given adaptive headlight functionality. Read more about it in our article here!
Tesla Rolls Out Adaptive Headlights Update for Model 3, Y, S, and X Including Older Models
A Long-Awaited Update
In Europe, matrix headlights can selectively turn off certain LEDs to avoid blinding oncoming traffic, effectively brightening only the driver’s side of the road. However, while Tesla has some limited functionality in place, it isn’t yet at the level that European drivers have enjoyed for years.
One Reddit user mentioned that the NHTSA specification only allows matrix headlights if they comply with the stated specifications. The rule states that the vehicle cannot even for a split second cause a glare, making it tough for automakers to get the permit.
Lars’s comment on X soon was followed by Tesla owners welcoming the though late the upcoming feature. Some users have even joked about it on Reddit criticizing that Tesla is always late.
When Moravy teased the feature’s arrival on social media, users commented, “Is that an Elon ‘almost there,’ or an actual almost there?” Others chimed in with, “One month probably, two months definitely,” and “At least by 2030.”
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While there were some watching Elon’s back as well saying that Tesla vehicles are the only ones getting better every few weeks.
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What Are Matrix Headlights?
Matrix headlights are an advanced type of lighting technology. Unlike traditional headlights, they can adapt their brightness and direction based on the oncoming traffic and road conditions.
Think of them as high beams that can selectively dim certain areas, so they are not blinding other drivers or pedestrians while still lighting up the way. In simpler terms, they give you better nighttime visibility without causing glare for anyone.
If there’s a car approaching from the opposite direction, these lights can automatically dim the LEDs that would shine into the oncoming vehicle, allowing the driver to keep using high beams without being disruptive. These headlights can also follow curves in the road, adjusting brightness to improve visibility as the vehicle turns.
Tesla owners in Europe have enjoyed matrix headlights for some time, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Some European Tesla owners even joked that they got the adaptive matrix headlights and the US got the FSD.
Nooo it’s our only consolation as we watch Americans play around with flawless FSD while our AP craps out on tight bends due to regulations.
— ohh myyy (@beshyddaren) October 26, 2024
How To Know If You Have Matrix Headlights?
If you’re unsure whether your Tesla has matrix LED headlights, there are simple ways to check. The easiest method is to look for a round dome projector on the edge of the headlight. Another way is to run the lightshow feature by parking in front of a wall and activating the feature.
If your Tesla displays “Tesla” on the wall in front, you got the matrix headlights or you can also check your app.
Expected Availability of the Feature
Tesla’s rollout of matrix headlights in North America may start with its most popular models, the Model 3 and Model Y. Once those receive the update, the feature will likely expand to the Model S, Model X, and the newer versions of the Model 3.
Moravy’s “almost there” comment suggests we could see this feature as part of Tesla’s holiday update, which often brings major new features and improvements.
Currently, Tesla’s FSD is on version 2024.14, and the company will need to merge the latest FSD with the new feature set for adaptive headlights. So, those on the latest FSD builds might need to wait for Tesla to release a compatible update.
However, many believe Tesla could prioritize this feature because it’s not only highly requested by Tesla owners but could also positively impact vehicle safety ratings.
Bottomline
It looks like the adaptive headlight feature will soon roll out in North America as the VP himself has spoken about the sooner availability. Tesla owners are often backlashed for their high beams and blinding glare for the oncoming traffic.
Matrix headlights will improve nighttime visibility and a safer driving experience thus becoming a game-changer for Tesla vehicles. The technology allows drivers to see more of the road without causing glare, enhancing safety for everyone on the road.
While Tesla has taken longer than some rivals to bring this feature to North America, the wait seems nearly over. Please share with us what you think of the adaptive headlight functionality rollout.
