What is on the horizon for auto headlight technology?

Question

Is there anything out there that doesn't require switching from dim to bright? (or if left on bright, doesn't blind oncoming traffic...) Is there anything that uses less battery if you leave the lights on?

Are these new things available for install on existing vehicles or are they factory install? What can you expect to pay?

Answer 1

Polarization of light could be a possible solution to prevent accidents caused due to bright headlights. But it would require coordination in headlamp and windshield design by all manufacturers.

LEDs are fast becoming the choice for automotive lighting with minimum power consumption. Researchers have constantly been trying to bring out pure white LEDs. They have excellent life expectancy, safer, and consume far less power. Still LED headlights aren't common and usually find place in concept cars or high end cars.

And there are directional headlamps that provide enhanced lighting for cornering. They are connected to the steering mechanism so the lights will follow the movement of the front wheels.

And the ultimate technology could be the infrared based night vision systems that will allow the drivers see farther in the night without even making the headlamps brighter. The new Mercedes Benz S Class comes fitted with this system. Awesome!

Answer 2

That technology, I think, was supposed to be HID. They are available as a factory install on more expensive vehicles. You can also buy and have them installed aftermarket, but it is very expensive. Also the replacement bulbs from what I've seen are also very expensive.
...but I wish HID lights were outlawed.
I'm blinded by them on low beams. On high beams I have to stop on the shoulder because the brightness of the lights causes my eyes physical pain if I don't close them until the vehicle has passed. This is mainly a problem on 2 lane country roads which surround the area where I live.
Flashing my high beams (halogens) at them to get them to turn theirs off is pointless. Either they can't see my headlights flashing or they don't give a crap.

Answer 3

I don't know what is on the horizon now but years ago like back in the 60s a relative of my grandmother's had a car that's lights would automatically dim if it sensed oncoming lights.
It was probably the one that had power windows, too, back then that was a luxury.

Answer 4

LEDs are becoming more advanced, and they are very lightweight and extemely efficient . It used to be that they were dim little indicator lights, now they are used as brake and tail lights, and as technology gets better, they are used more and more in flashlights and other high-intensity applications, and it's only a matter of time before they are used as headlights in production cars. The Amish are already using them. Who would have thought that the Amish would beat us to the punch on arguably one of the most cutting-edge lighting technologies of the 21st century? Check this out:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2003-09-15-amish-buggy-lights_x.htm

Answer 5

Like the refrigerator, there will eventually be a small penguin, possibly named " Chilly-Willy " who will automaticly turn on your head lights when you start your car. Then off, when you take the keys out. Then aim your headlights down when other cars are driving by you.