AUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTING MARKET

INTRODUCTION

Automotive lighting occupies a major chunk of share in the automotive design segment and the headlights are the leading lighting sector by position. 

The laser headlights are capable of illuminating at higher intensity than any other form of automotive lights and also are proved to be able to increase the range of vision by 6 times than the next popular lighting i.e. LEDs. The increased concern towards safety has led to the shift of automotive industry towards the laser lights.

AUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTSMARKET DYNAMICS

The increase accidents on roads particularly on highways around the world have prompted the governments to take action to improve the headlight technology. Several automakers have started patenting the design and technology of the laser headlights.

Laser sourced headlights introduced in BMW i8 is having higher luminosity of all the other technologies. It provides higher range of visibility than LEDs. Audi in its R8 LMX used 4 laser diodes per headlight. As of now Laser powered headlights are mostly found in the sports and luxury segment cars. Due to their pricing their application is restricted. The below figure shows the headlights market share among passenger cars:

The ZKW Group, a specialist in cutting-edge premium lighting systems and electronics, and Lumotive, a leading developer of solid-state lidar systems, today announced a working demonstration of Lumotive's lidar technology coupled with a ZKW vehicle headlight.

The Lumotive M30 module, the workhorse of the Meta-LidarTM platform, which employs pulsed laser beams to estimate distances between objects and the sensors surrounding the vehicle, is featured in the ZKW integration.

Drivers can use the very accurate and exact spatial data produced by the Meta-Lidar platform to prevent collisions or further automate driving scenarios.The optimal use case for Lumotive's compact form-factor lidar module is integration with car lighting systems, and this partnership with ZKW ushers in a brand-new and exciting era of lidar use cases.

AUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTSMARKET BY COMPONENTS

Laser diodes the light emitting source is crucial and are the largest revenue attracting component. The arrangement of these diodes varies with respect to the auto manufacturer and it also varies in the number of diodes used. For instance BMW uses 3 laser diodes where 2 are at same level and 1 below them bisecting the 2.

The mirrors are placed to reflect the light on to the lens. The blue light coming out of diodes are when made to fall on the phosphorous lens, the resulting light is incoherent and white in nature. The white light falls on projector so as to direct the light on to the road. Various automotive lighting manufacturers are developing new configurations i.e. the arrangement of these mirrors, lens and reflectors.

AUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTSMARKET BY VEHICLE TYPE

The cost and set-up of the laser headlights has restricted to passenger cars in the market. The laser lights are restricted to luxury and premium cars segments. BMW’s i8 Coupe and Roadster plug-in hybrid cars feature the laser lights. Audi’s e-tron is expected to be released with the laser headlight by late 2020 or 2021.

US AUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTS MARKET

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) in 2018 has approved for adoption of advanced lighting in the passenger cars. Late 2019 models of BMW M5 and Audi A8 came with the laser lights however they were integrated with the existing LED lights and were allowed to operate on the high beams.

Since the NHTSA has not fully approved the headlights the laser lights are not independently present in the US headlight market. The market is currently offering only some of the luxury car models with laser light technologies such as the BMW i8, the new BMW 7 series and the Audi R8 LMX.

On one hand BMW and Audi are fixated on the development and advancement in the laser light sector, Mercedes on the other hand opts for high powered LEDs which are installed in all of their models. With SLD launching its new laser system which will soon be launched in the US in BMW M5.

EUROPEAUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTSMARKET

The first region to adopt the laser lights and since 2014 the luxury passenger cars are available with laser lights. It first got integrated with the LED lights and the laser lights came out when the speed went past 70 km/h.

The company SLD Laser has announced the launch of its “safe for human eye” laser light headlamp for the automotive industry. They will be launching it first with the BMW M5 series in Europe. In Europe currently BMW holds the highest share in the laser light market and has 5 models across i, 7 series and X series models. Audi has R8 model on road featuring laser lights.

CHINAAUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTSMARKET

In China the premium cars such as BMW X5, X7 and 7-series and Audi A8L feature the laser headlights. While it is standard in BMW X 5 models, it is a option in other models of BMW and Audi. The laser light focussed mainly in headlights position right now in the market is expected to widen its presence in the cars. The developments are made to incorporate the laser lights in the rear-view mirrors by SLD Laser.

The automotive laser light industry is estimated to go beyond the $XX Billion range by the year 2030 growing at a rate of CAGR XX%. In order to make the light safe for vehicle operation, these laser lights are subjected to several testing procedures each by component as well as by OEMs. The automotive laser light market is estimated to have a higher growth rate in Europe due to the demand for luxury cars on a rise.

However, it may not be true for the Asia-Pacific region as the demand for luxury cars is not as high, people prefer low-end cars with affordable features.  HELLA has reported a sales of EUR 5.8 billion in the fiscal year 2019-2020 which was considerably less than the previous fiscal year which reported a sales of EUR 6.7 billion. This decrease was due to the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted the supply chain management systems as countries across the world were in lockdowns pertaining to the pandemic protocols.

However, the market has recovered with a steady pace as the lockdowns lifted. The company has recorded a sales of EUR 6.5 billion in the fiscal year 2020-2021, growing at the rate of 13.3%. OSRAM, the Germany based lightning group reported a 30% drop in the sales over the third quarter of the fiscal year 2019-2020.

The company, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recorded a plunge in revenue by 29.4% falling to EUR 606 million by June 2020. The drop was due to the restrictions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic which affected most of the sectors negatively. Companies in this sector are introducing innovative HD headlight systems, these are gaining traction over the emerging market players in the luxury car market. The sector is estimated to reach a production capacity of approximately 34,500 units by the end of 2030.

AUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTSMARKETRECENT MARKET TRENDS

• The company OSRAM GmBh, a global key manufacturer of lighting solutions based in Germany has introduced blue laser headlights which focus the energy onto lenses that are filled with phosphorus making it safe for the human eye.
• OSRAM is also the light development partner for many new luxury cars such as the BMW i8, the new BMW 7 series as well as the Audi R8 LMX.
• As of April 2021, SLD Laser has launched its first of kind white light chip with switching function. It transforms into an IR emitter on command, SMDs are also available on the starboard of the chip with an option to be mounted on the circuit board.
• In January 2020, SLD Laser developed Sensing and LiFi communication technologies to be used in the automotive as well as consumer applications.
• In the year 2020, Radiant Vision System launched ProMetric, a range of imaging colorimeters and photometers that analyse the performance of an automotive laser light.
• In July 2019, Osram and Continental JV developed the laser LED headlight system with more than 4,000 individually controllable pixels each.
• SLD Laser has developed a laser light module which not only emit more light but also able to transmit data from car-to-car. These modules are called “Li-Fi”. These modules replace the old bumper radars and consume minimal space in the headlight assembly.

AUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTSMARKETRECENT DEVELOPMENT

Manufacturers are constantly attempting to make the laser diodes used in automobile illumination smaller and more efficient. More compact headlight designs and greater integration flexibility are made possible by smaller laser diodes. Increased Power and Brightness: In order to provide even greater levels of illumination and visibility on the road, efforts are being made to increase the power output and brightness of laser lights. This enhances driver safety by enabling better visibility of possible threats.

Adaptive lighting solutions that function in conjunction with laser lights are being improved by manufacturers. The headlights may modify their beam patterns and direction in real-time for the best visibility and safety thanks to these technologies, which employ sensors and cameras to monitor and evaluate changes in traffic, weather, and road conditions. Improved Beam Shaping and Control: Research and development efforts are concentrated on improving laser light's beam shaping and control techniques.

This entails improvements in optical systems, lenses, and reflectors to produce accurate and controlled light distribution on the road, minimizing glare for approaching cars while maximizing driver illumination. Adaptive Safety Features:Adaptive safety features, such as pedestrian recognition and the projection of warning signals onto the road, are being incorporated with laser lights.These characteristics improve driver awareness and help prevent collisions or dangerous circumstances.

Compliance with standards: To ensure adherence to safety standards and guidelines, manufacturers collaborate closely with regulatory bodies. To enable the secure and efficient usage of laser lights on vehicles, this includes conforming to specified specifications for beam patterns, light intensity, and alignment. Integration with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): ADAS technologies, such as autonomous driving systems and vehicle-to-vehicle communication, are being merged with laser lights.

Through the provision of precise and trustworthy illumination information for vehicle perception and decision-making, this integration improves the operation and safety of these systems. Research on Eye Safety: Work is ongoing to assess and enhance the components of laser lights that pertain to eye safety. Studying the effects of laser light exposure on human eyes as well as creating technology and safety measures to reduce any potential concerns are all part of this.

With the introduction of cutting-edge technologies to improve driving experiences and traffic safety, Audi, a renowned luxury car manufacturer, has consistently been at the forefront of automotive innovation.Incorporating laser headlights in a few models, like the Audi R8 and Audi A8, is one such development that has received a lot of attention recently. Compared to conventional LED or halogen headlights, laser headlights offer better illumination and visibility, and they represent a significant advancement in vehicle lighting technology.

The choice by Audi to make laser headlights an optional feature shows their dedication to pushing the limits of vehicle innovation and giving customers cutting-edge options. The revolutionary technology that uses lasers to create a laser-focused beam of light is at the core of Audi's laser headlight system.

A phosphor converter transforms the light produced by the laser diodes into a dazzling, white beam. This cutting-edge technique enables a more focused and potent illumination, increasing the range and improving driver vision at night. The ability of laser headlights to produce a beam that nearly resembles daylight is one of their main advantages, as it lessens eye strain and increases overall safety while driving at night.

Drivers can detect possible hazards, pedestrians, and traffic signs considerably earlier because to the increased brightness and range of the laser headlights, which lowers the likelihood of accidents and improves overall road safety.

Additionally, due to the modest size of the laser diodes, Audi's designers are able to produce headlamp designs that are more streamlined and aerodynamic, improving the overall appearance of their automobiles. The unique visual character of Audi's laser headlights distinguishes their models from rivals and contributes to the appeal of the brand, making them readily recognized on the road.

Audi's drive to meeting the demands of discerning consumers who desire the newest and most cutting-edge technologies is demonstrated by its commitment to offering laser headlights as an optional feature in high-end vehicles like the Audi R8 and Audi A8. Audi makes sure that drivers have the chance to profit from the unrivaled advantages of this ground-breaking lighting technology by providing laser headlights as an option.

Furthermore, Audi's choice to include laser headlights into its automobiles is in line with the industry's broader transition to environmentally friendly and energy-saving technologies. Compared to conventional lighting systems, laser headlights use less electricity while producing superior illumination. Audi's automobiles are more environmentally friendly as a result of this efficiency, which appeals to people who care about the environment.

It's crucial to remember that some Audi models provide laser headlights as an optional feature, giving buyers a choice that fits their preferences and requirements. Depending on their driving habits, money, and local laws, drivers may choose ordinary LED or halogen headlights while others may prioritize advanced lighting technologies. Furthermore, Audi's choice to include laser headlights into its automobiles is in line with the industry's broader transition to environmentally friendly and energy-saving technologies.

Compared to conventional lighting systems, laser headlights use less electricity while producing superior illumination. Audi's automobiles are more environmentally friendly as a result of this efficiency, which appeals to people who care about the environment.

AUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTSMARKETCOMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Osram (Germany) were the pioneers in laser lighting technology. BMW i8 and Audi R8 the first cars were equipped with Osram’s equipment. SLD Laser California based company has penetrated the market by manufacturing laser lights for BMW’s M5. Hella (Germany) the leading automotive lighting company has developed a HD matrix LED lamp with laser high beams for Audi A8 models.

The companies in this sector compete with each other through innovations and advancement in technology that also facilitate the growth of this sector. For Instance, the company SLD Laser, focused on commercialising next generation laser light sources is gaining recognition across the globe due to its cofounder who invented a filter called phosphor specialised to deploy as safe for human lights.

Japanese ceramics and electronics manufacturer Kyocera acquired SLD Lasers with 100% ownership as of January 2021. The Kyocera SLD Laser Inc. (KSLD) announced the launch in production of the world’s first of kind dual-emission white light and IR laser light source for the automotive as well as consumer lighting and night light illuminating sector.

HELLA signed a strategic agreement with Wuling Automotive industry belonging to the Chinese Guangxi Automotive group to work together on developing automobile lighting technologies to be introduced in the chinese market.

Several organisations are also investing in the R&D department of this sector. An organisation, New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) has invested to develop and design automobiles incorporating various safety features such as laser headlight as well as night vision camera, these tactics are likely to complement the growth of this market.

AUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTSMARKET SEGMENTATION

Automotive Laser Lights Market By Components

• Laser Diode
• Mirrors
• Phosphorous Lens
• Reflector

Automotive Laser Lights MarketBy Vehicle Type

• ICE
• Hybrid
• BEV

Automotive Laser Lights MarketBy Geography

• US
• Europe
• China
• Japan
• ROW

AUTOMOTIVE LASER LIGHTSMARKETCOMPANY PROFILES

1. Osram
2. SLD Laser
3. Hella
4. BMW
5. Audi