Tesla Model Y Now Features Advanced Headlights to Reduce Glare
Tesla’s latest Model Y update brings matrix LED headlight technology to the U.S. market, following Rivian’s lead with their R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck. This innovative technology allows for precise control over the headlight beam, preventing glare for oncoming drivers.
Matrix LED headlights, also known as Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights, work by treating the LED as multiple light pixels rather than a single source. This allows the system to shape the light beam dynamically. For instance, when oncoming traffic is detected, the system can adjust the beam to avoid shining directly into other drivers’ eyes while still illuminating the road effectively.
How Matrix LED Headlights Work
The technology behind these headlights involves sophisticated control over individual pixels within the LED headlight. This enables features such as:
- Dimming specific sections of the beam to avoid blinding oncoming drivers
- Adjusting the beam pattern to better illuminate corners or curves
- Maintaining maximum visibility for the driver without causing glare for others
History and Regulatory Background
Although matrix LED headlights have been available in Europe and Canada since 2014, led by brands like Audi, U.S. regulations delayed their adoption. A 2022 rule change allowed for Adaptive Driving Beam headlights but with different testing requirements than those used in other countries. Rivian was the first to implement this technology in the U.S. market with their second-generation R1S and R1T models in August 2024.
Tesla’s adoption of this technology, particularly in their refreshed 2025 Model Y, is expected to encourage other manufacturers to follow suit. It’s worth noting that while this feature is now available on the new Model Y, it is not enabled on older versions of the Model Y or Model 3.
The advancement represents a significant step forward in automotive lighting technology, moving beyond the limitations of traditional sealed-beam headlights and enhancing safety on the roads.
