Tesla to offer adaptive headlights on select models via software update

For many years, Tesla has included matrix LED headlights in the cars it’s been shipping globally, including those for Australian customers.

Now, Tesla has started to roll out the new adaptive headlights feature but this time with a catch. It’s only going to be available in the recently refreshed Tesla Model 3 across multiple markets. 

The feature Tesla calls “Adaptive High Beams” was shared by notateslaapp as part of the release notes in Germany on an upcoming software update to the recently delivered sedans.

According to the translated release notes of this OTA update, Tesla says: “The high beams now adjust to reduce glare for other drivers and cyclists.”

Further explanation on the functionality and benefits of the adaptive headlights feature is also shared. Translated from German, the company adds: “By detecting other road users and selectively dimming individual pixels of the headlights, the high beams can remain on longer, enabling better visibility at night.”

Drivers who have received the 2024.2 update can enable the feature by heading to the “Lighting” setting and activating “Adaptive High Beam”.

Adaptive headlights, sometimes called matrix headlights, have many individual LEDs that can be lit individually, depending on the requirements of the road. 

The dimming of these lights allows certain parts of the road to not receive the light from the vehicle which can be beneficial in preventing on-coming traffic or other road users from being blinded by high beams. 

This ultimately increases the safety of the vehicle at times of low lighting conditions by improving driver visibility.

Previous versions of the matrix headlights have been delivered in thousands of vehicles on Australian roads. These vehicles can showcase the capability of matrix headlights by projecting “TESLA” onto a wall when doing one of Tesla’s party tricks, the light show.

While these vehicles are not yet receiving adaptive headlight functionality, Tesla may likely be working on rolling out the feature on compatible vehicles, but there has been no official confirmation.

It’s unclear at this stage as to when this feature will be available to the refreshed Tesla Model 3 locally, but it’s likely to be in the coming month.

Video by Hella Lighting showcasing how matrix adaptive headlights work