Headlights grow, glow

The first motor vehicle headlamps were introduced during the 1880s. Based on acetylene and oil, they were similar to the old gas lamps.

However, because of the high costs of both substances, improvements were difficult. Although often praised for their resistance to air currents and harsher weather conditions such as snow and rain, they were soon replaced by electric lamps.

In 1898, the Electric Vehicle Company in Hartford, Connecticut produced the first electric headlamp. However, there were several disadvantages. For example, the filaments burnt out quickly, especially under difficult travelling conditions.

The early electric headlight systems demanded small independent energy sources which, again, required more investment which was unsustainable.

modern headlamp

Cadillac launched the first modern electric headlamp system in 1912, which could be used even in rain or snow.

Guide Lamp Company was the first to introduce the low-beam headlights in 1915, but most systems required drivers to exit their vehicles and turn on the lights manually. Subsequently, Cadillac developed its own assembly, activated by an interior-mounted lever controlling the exterior lights.

The modern headlamp bulb, incorporating low and high beams, debuted in 1924. A foot-operated dimmer switch followed three years later.

A few car manufacturers eventually moved away to high-intensity discharge systems, also known as xenon headlights. The first model to implement this system was the 1991 BMW 7 Series.

- S.W.