A dazzling innovation
Just a few thousandths of a millimeter in size, but an absolute innovation in vehicle lighting: Laser lights. They allow not only for new headlight designs, but also make street traffic safer.
Virtual methods, countless tests in our own laboratory, and a huge number of test drives were required before BMW installed the laser lighting system into its BMW i8 hybrid sports car. But all that work paid off: The new laser light makes traffic safer and makes driving more comfortable. With a high beam range of around 600 meters, laser emitting diodes improve visibility while driving at night. In addition, daylight high beams also appear more pleasant to the human eye.
Laser headlights allow us to achieve more active safety during night driving. In addition, we can optimally use the legally approved maximum lighting intensity for vehicle headlights, with additional good benefits in terms of efficiency and size.
Gerald Böhm
Head of pre-development ZKW Group
Small size – high light intensity
Automotive manufacturers are always working to design more compact front headlights – without having to sacrifice lighting power. Laser lights offer the perfect solution: They are significantly smaller and more energy-saving than LED lights. At a size of just a few thousandths of a millimeter, laser lights create almost a beam of light current. In addition, they have a much higher light intensity than LEDs. “Laser headlights allow us to achieve more active safety during night driving. In addition, we can optimally use the legally approved maximum lighting intensity for vehicle headlights, with additional good benefits in terms of efficiency and size,” explains Gerald Böhm, head of pre-development ZKW Group.
Further contents
Autonomous driving and the importance of the right light
City center, a busy street. A pedestrian wants to cross the road, and tries to make eye contact with the driver. But there’s no one behind the wheel. The passengers are sitting comfortably in the back seat. Nevertheless, the communication works. The fully automated vehicle recognizes the pedestrian, brakes independently, and projects a virtual crosswalk on the asphalt. That means the person can cross the lit street safely, after which the vehicle can go on its way.
High beams with no glare
Most traffic accidents occur at night. The right lighting is what counts. Low beams aren’t enough, but high beams can blind oncoming cars, or drivers up ahead. The lux is the crux. Our solution: Glare-free high beams by the ZKW Group provide perspective and make driving in the dark more safe – thanks to smarter technology.
Great electronics
The reasons we need vehicle lights go far beyond simple lighting. ZKW is developing powerful background helpers so that modern headlights can bring their diverse functions to the streets in the best light possible: Highly precise electronics that make innovative lighting technology possible. After all, powerful lighting takes smart control.
The future of light
Vehicle lights by ZKW are the product of burgeoning innovation in an exciting design.