Tesla Model Y Long Range Vs. Performance Headlights!
Last updated on April 18th, 2023 at 11:17 pm
The Tesla Model Y is an electric sports utility vehicle that is roomy, stylish, and has strong appeal.
There are two trims for this awesome vehicle – the Performance All-Wheel-Drive trim and the Long Range All-Wheel-Drive trim.
Even though they share some similar features, one area in which they differ is in their headlights.
How do these two trims of the same Tesla Model Y differ regarding the headlights?
The Tesla Model Y Performance All-Wheel-Drive trim has matrix LED headlights, while the Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel-Drive trim has non-matrix LED headlights. Even though both headlights are of the LED type, the matrix type is more suited for night vision than the non-matrix type. That makes the Performance trim the better option for night driving.
In this article, you’ll learn what attributes this headlighting system has and why it’s best for night driving.
You’ll also learn why the Tesla Model Y Performance trim headlights are better than the headlights of the Long Range trim. Read on to find out more.
Model Y Long-Range Vs. Performance Headlights: Which Is Better?
The Tesla Model Y Performance All-Wheel-Drive trim has better headlights between the two trim configurations.
The reason is that, despite the two trims being equipped with LED headlights, the Performance models have matrix-style LED headlights.
They control the light beam to adapt to the environment. This LED light style can be regulated so that approaching people will not be blindfolded.
That is because it can regulate the headlights in response to the surrounding traffic by adjusting the light beam.
The Tesla Model Y Performance can adjust LED light, so it doesn’t blind motorists, pedestrians, or nearby bicycles. The vehicle restores the light once they’ve passed.
However, Drive Tesla has reported that the automaker has included matrix LED headlights on some of the Tesla Model Y Long Range cars.
This alteration is present only for cars that Tesla has developed as of August 5, 2022.
Previously, the matrix LED headlights were only present on the Tesla Model Y Performance trims and Model 3 cars.
But because of the current reduction in the supply of non-matrix headlights, the automaker has switched from non-matrix headlights to matrix LED headlights.
This change from non-matrix LED headlights to matrix LED headlights is temporary.
Information provided by employees states that Tesla isn’t certain when they will revert the headlight changes.
They can’t guarantee when the supply will be enough. Notwithstanding, Tesla currently plans to reverse the changes in October 2022.
Which Model Y Tesla Has LED Headlights?
The Tesla Model Y has two car trims: the Tesla Model Y Performance All-Wheel-Drive trim and the Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel-Drive trim.
These Model Y Tesla trims have exterior LED headlights, although variations exist.
The Tesla Model Y Performance All-Wheel-Drive car trim has the matrix type of LED light in all its versions.
On the contrary, the Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel-Drive car trim comes with a non-matrix type of LED headlight.
However, due to a shortage in the supply of the non-matrix type of LED lights, Tesla made some changes.
Tesla started installing some versions of the Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel-Drive car trims with matrix LED headlights.
Tesla fitted the matrix type of LED headlights on the Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel-Drive car trims released on August 5, 2022. However, this change is temporary.
A definite date for the discontinuation isn’t yet certain, as Tesla is unsure when the non-matrix type of LED headlights will become available in sufficient quantities.
However, plans are scheduled for October 2022 to reverse non-matrix LED headlights.
LED lights stand for light-emitting diodes, which have existed for a while. They are semiconductors that give out light anytime you pass current through them.
Manufacturers of cars have installed LED headlights for some time. You can also find LED lights in indicators, security, and interior lights.
Manufacturers prefer to use LED headlights more than halogen headlights or laser headlights.
That’s because LED headlights are far more durable, and you don’t need regular maintenance.
They also require and consume less power, and the compact diodes don’t need too much space in the small headlight cluster.
Therefore, the manufacturers can put more style into their creative designs so that your cars can have a more polished look on the road.
Some LED headlights have an average working life of approximately 20,000 hours.
That corresponds to a staggering 18 years of service if you use them for three hours daily throughout the year.
Additionally, LED headlights function cooler and consume less energy than halogen headlights. Therefore, they consume less fuel.
The consumption rate for most LED clusters corresponds to about 15 to 20 watts, which is one-third of the energy halogen headlights use.
Matrix Type of LED Headlights
The matrix-type of LED headlights is one of the latest and biggest releases in the automotive industry.
These LED headlights are named after the matrix, the mathematical rectangular table.
The LEDs operate in a matrix system to provide a special light sphere.
This system is very useful when you want the outer LEDs to function at maximum intensity but the central ones at regular or low intensity.
You’ll find such a scenario when the headlight detects a pedestrian or an approaching car.
The car instantly switches off or dims the inner LEDs so the other drivers won’t be dazzled.
Therefore, this type of LED headlight is incredibly versatile and easy to use without requiring intervention from drivers.
When there’s other traffic nearby, matrix LED headlights provide high light beam coverage so you can see clearly during night vision.
It also prevents the impairment of the vision of others using the road.
Is Tesla Model Y’s Long-Range Headlight Better Than Performance For Night Driving?
No, the headlight for the Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel-Drive trim is not better than that of the Tesla Model Y Performance All-Wheel-Drive trim.
That is because the Tesla Model Y Performance Headlight is a matrix type of LED headlight suitable for night vision.
It can automatically dim the intensity of light when it detects incoming cars and pedestrians so that they are not dazzled by the light.
This system provides you with standard light beams with traffic nearby, unlike the non-matrix headlights in the Long Range trims that’ll dazzle others nearby.
Below is a table comparing the headlight features of the Performance trim and the Long Range trim of the Tesla Model Y.
| Feature | Performance Trim | Long Range Trim |
|---|---|---|
| Headlight Type | Matrix LED Headlight | Non-matrix LED Headlight |
| Night Driving | More Suitable | Less Suitable |
| Nature | Standard Feature | Temporary Feature |
Conclusion
The Tesla Model Y has two trims available in the market currently – the Performance trim and the Long Range trim. Both trims have LED exterior headlights.
Nevertheless, the Performance trim has matrix LED headlights, which are suitable for night vision. That’s because the matrix system allows for tight regulation during night vision.
Hey, I’m Michael Davis, a 35-year-old with a degree and a love for cars and tech. Since I was a kid, cars have been my thing—so much that I even thought they ran on magic beans! Fast forward, and I’ve built Vehicle Army, your one-stop-shop for easy-to-understand car facts.
