Tesla is working on Adaptive Headlights for S3XY models in the U.S.

Tesla said it is working on adaptive headlights features for previously released S3XY models in the U.S. through a software update.

An X social media user asked, “Lars – Any hope of Tesla being able to push out the adaptive headlight firmware to all equipped S3XY cars in the US? Seems like the current laws prevent this but figured I’d ask as you’d know best”.

On that, Lars Moravy, VP of Vehicle Engineering at Tesla replied “We are working on it. FMVSS 108 for the adaptive driving beam is pretty strict, but we’ll keep plugging away.”

Adaptive Headlights:

The Upgraded Tesla Model 3 is the first vehicle to get an adaptive headlights feature with an over-the-air (OTA) software update.

Adaptive driving beam headlight systems or ADB use automatic headlight beam switching technology to spot reduced light on occupied areas of the road and more light in unoccupied areas.

This feature relies on a Matrix LED headlight which has an adaptive driving beam (ADB) system and an array of individually controllable LEDs.

This system adjusts the light for vehicles, pedestrians, and animals on the road without compromising visibility. When the vehicle detects any of these on the road, the adaptive headlights mask out the object by dimming or switching off certain LEDs to produce less glare.

US:

Back in 2022, The U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) allowed automakers to install adaptive headlights in new vehicles.

The final rule has then become a part of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, “Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment”. It described how automakers need to comply with certain standards before adapting ADB.

Although, the recent 2024 Model 3 complies with the FMVSS 108 section but there’s no certainty over the previous models. Past information shows that all of the current models have Matrix LEDs which means that the company can upgrade this in-market vehicle in terms of capability.

Lars also said that the company is working with authorities to sort things out but there are no dates announced for the update rollout.