LED Headlights?

[randyscott]

Does anyone know if there is a 12V LED light bright enough to be used as a headlight?

[videobruce]

The highest wattage LED is a 1 watt, but that is at 2-3 volts AFAIK. It would have to be a cluster for it to work. I would think you would see stop, backup, turn signal, dashboard, dome & map lights before you would see a headlamp.

[curtis73]

Agreed. Headlights require a focused beam of light and the only way to get that is with the smallest possible source. For years we've been trying to make lights with kernels that are smaller than a filament; hence things like HID and arclights. An LED array would have to include 30-40 diodes at a minimum meaning they'd be huge and impossible to focus.

[KiwiBacon]

There have been concept cars produced with LED headlights. But that doesn't mean the headlights actually worked.

LED's up to 3W each are being used for MTB night lights (a group of 3, 9w total is supposedly equivalent to a 35w halogen). The driving force there is more efficient lights so you can lug around a smaller battery. Not so much of a problem to a car.

[randyscott]

Thanks for your answers. Here's what I got when I enquired directly to a manufacturer/supplier. Ashley does not specifically say it qualifies under any specific state vehicle laws. I'm not sure what's meant by "5000k" .:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (text at link)

E27 Three 1 Watt Luxeon LED Light 12V AC/DC
87756
$59.99
E27 Three 1 Watt Luxeon LED Light 12V AC/DC. Standard E27 screw in base. 12V DC or AC. 150 Lumens. The incandescent equivalent is estimated at 45 watts. Viewing angle is 30 degrees. Available in white (5000k) and warm white (3000k). The lens is crystal glass. 50,000 hour life span. 1.97" in diameter and 2.25" in length from top to bottom. Uses .330 amps @ 12V DC. The wattage consumption used is 4 Watts. CE approved.


-----Forwarded Message-----
>From: sales <sales[at]ledlight[dot]com>
>Sent: Jul 8, 2007 8:56 PM
>To: 'RandyS'
>Subject: RE: 12V LED automotive
>
>Dear Randy,
>
>Thank you for your interest in LED Lighting products at LEDLight.com.
>
> http://www.ledlight.com/detail.aspx?ID=208
>
>It is a new product, sorry not have the picture.
>
>If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact
>LEDLight.com.
>
>Ashley Thompson
>Sales[at]ledlight.com
>Toll Free 1 (877) 283-5060
>Local 1 (602) 997-0366
>Fax 1 (602) 861-4088
>

>-----Original Message-----
>From: RandyS
>Sent: Saturday, July 07, 2007 6:23 PM
>To: sales[at]LEDLight.com
>Subject: 12V LED automotive
>
>Are any of your 12V LEDs bright enough to be used as headlights?
>I'm planning to build an electric car and am interested in the low current
>draw of LEds.
>
>Randy Scott
>Drafting/Mechanical Design

[randyscott]

Apparently the "5000k" refers to the color - bright white.

searching their site I also found this one:

http://www.ledlight.com/detail.aspx?ID=206
MR16 Three 1 Watt LED Light 12V AC/DC
95223
$59.99
MR 16 Three 1 Watt Luxeon LED Light. 12V AC or DC. Available in white (5000k) and warm white (3000k). 150 Lumens. Incandescent equivalence is 45 Watts. Lifespan of 50,000 hours. The Lens is crystal glass. 1.97" in diameter and 1.94" in length from top to bottom. CE approved.

A search to learn what is meant by "MR 16" lead to this:
http://www.bulbs.com/eSpec.aspx?ID=1...=Halogen+Bulbs
Value Brand 20W, 12V Halogen 12° Narrow Spot MR-16 Lamp with Dichroic Reflector, Front Glass Lens, and GU5.3 Bipin Base. (diameter 2", length 1.99"). Sold Individually. 4300 Candle Power

The goal I have in mind isn't smaller batteries, but smaller drain so the batt power can be used more for traction while driving at night. Big trade-off for electric car is "distance versus speed" while headlights consume juice needed for getting home safely before batts need recharge. Trying to extend range & speed in spite of headlights.

[KiwiBacon]

Originally Posted by randyscott

electric car

You should have said so earlier.
Tell us more.

[INF3RN0666]

For headlights, you would want LEDs with high mcd and narrow angles of lighting so that you dont have to worry about focusing. But you are looking at 30 LEDs per headlight if you buy 10000 mcd LEDs. I've seen headlights before as LEDs. Pretty cool but high not worth the trouble.