Tesla VP Confirms Adaptive Headlights Coming to All Models Soon – “The Hard Part is Over”

We recently shared an exciting update from Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, confirming that the upcoming Model Y refresh will include adaptive headlights with matrix functionality.

While adaptive headlights have already been available in Europe and other regions, North American Tesla owners have been eagerly awaiting this feature, which has been delayed due to different regulatory standards.

During a recent episode of Jay Leno’s Garage (watch the video below), Lars mentioned that adaptive headlights are just a few months away for U.S. Tesla owners. Many Tesla vehicles already have the necessary hardware, and it’s now a matter of enabling the feature through software updates.

Adaptive headlights, also known as matrix headlights, selectively dim individual pixels to enhance road safety by providing better illumination for Tesla drivers while reducing glare for oncoming traffic.

Regulatory Approval and Implementation

Lars has officially confirmed on X that Tesla has received regulatory approval for matrix headlights in the United States, marking a significant milestone. The company will begin introducing adaptive headlights, starting with the new Model Y, before expanding the feature to other models equipped with matrix headlights.

While competitors like Rivian and Mercedes-Benz have already introduced full matrix headlight systems in North America, Tesla is catching up and focusing on perfecting its own implementation.

Global Expansion

In contrast to the U.S., Tesla faces fewer regulatory challenges in Canada and Mexico, where adaptive headlights and matrix functionality have been approved for several years. Once Tesla ensures compliance with local regulations, enabling the feature in these regions should be a straightforward process.

High-Resolution vs. Low-Resolution

Tesla initially introduced high-resolution LED matrix headlights, offering precise pixel control. As technology evolved, Tesla transitioned to a lower-resolution version of the system, which may be more cost-effective. While the newer headlights may not display intricate designs like “TESLA” during light shows, the overall performance should remain consistent.

Whether your Tesla vehicle features the original high-resolution matrix headlights or the newer low-resolution version, the upcoming software update will deliver a similar experience for all drivers.

For guidance on identifying if your vehicle is equipped with matrix headlights, refer to our comprehensive guide.