LED vs. Halogen

LEDing the way - Regan says, "LED FTW (For the win)!"

It's pretty obvious that Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are the latest and most exciting technological advancement in the lighting industry.

And what's more discerning is the fact that these days, LEDs, like alloy wheels or chrome trimmings, are quickly becoming a stylish addition to cars. But more than just shiny toys, LEDs are functional too.

Let's start with daytime running lights. Just like how eyeliner emphasises an eye, a strip of light can be designed to underscore a vehicle's character. In that sense, this relates highly to Audi cars and their signature LED daytime running lights.

These LEDs dominate the face of Audi's modern products, such as the A8 sedan and R8 supercar. The A8 was the first vehicle with full LED daytime running lights while the R8 is also the first car to feature all LED headlamps.

Automakers favour LEDs because they are durable, compact and energy efficient. LED light sources can last much longer than halogens and typically last the life of a vehicle, which can be seen as an added value to consumers. What's more, they are able to withstand shock, vibration and extreme temperature.

LEDs are also more energy efficient than halogen bulbs, requiring only 15 watts or so - much lower than the 65 watts required by a halogen headlight.

It's hard not to see the appeal of LEDs. They have a modern and minimalistic, yet high-tech vibe to them, offering an unprecedented level of design versatility that is essential for manufacturers to differentiate their vehicles from the competition.

Besides daytime running lights and headlamps, LEDs can also be used for general and interior lighting. Their higher energy efficiency translates into lower fuel consumption and noxious emissions, helping manufacturers meet ever more stringent regulations.

For example, LEDs are really apt for the map light inside the vehicle's cabin because they are directional, so they are much brighter when viewed head on. This makes them great for use where a bright light focusing on a relatively small area is desired.

And in what seems to be another groundbreaking achievement, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will become the first vehicle in the world that will not use a single light bulb. Instead, the tri-star flagship sedan will be fitted with almost 500 LEDs filling all lighting, signalling, and interior illumination roles.

Once a design element that set an automaker apart just by having them, LEDs are quickly becoming the norm and my take on this? LEDs will certainly have a bright future. Come on, even the light in my room is LED.
Nicholas reckons that LED will never be the star of the prom without the plain Jane Halogen

We are engaged in a fearsome duel between halogen and LED - two of the most common technologies used in automotive lighting. But fear not, as I'm not just about to bring in the saying that 'old is gold' because, certainly, halogen being the elder and more outdated tech of the duo isn't all shimmery yellow.

That said, I'm certainly not for LED taking over the world.

As a matter of fact, the presence of LED has a great part to owe to the existence of conventional lighting methods, such as halogen. Just like how roses wouldn't look too fancy without the field of thorns, LED would not have seem brilliant if there is no halogen to boost the contrast.

Carmakers are well aware of that fact, too. And they shrewdly crafted the product hierarchy, where base variants usually make do with halogen headlamps, while their sportier and more premium cousins come with LED ones. It is almost a symbolism of status.

Take for example, we have seen Audi and Mercedes-Benz putting their best-in-arsenal LED headlights in their flagship sedans. But we can be almost sure that these will not find their way to the lower end mainstream models anytime soon. This means while the S-Class will sparkle with LED headlamps, the A-Class will continue to emit its glow from halogens.

Yes, I concur that LED is better than halogen in more ways than one. But that alone will not kill off the latter. Simply put, automakers recognise the need to differentiate their products, and lighting technologies is one of the ways to do it.