12/02/2024

HID vs LED Headlights: Differences in Brightness and Lifespan

Source: Fleet Management Weekly

HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights, also known as xenon headlights, first debuted in the U.S. in 1996. HID works by making an electric arc between two points that travels through xenon gas inside the bulb. LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology uses electricity to energize semiconductors, which then release photons, which are the tiniest light particles possible.

Both of these headlight technologies are as effective as they are expensive and are among the reasons why modern headlights are so bright. In terms of measured brightness and functioning life, HID headlights put out 3,200 lumens and will last upwards of 3,500 hours. The LED design is even brighter, outputting up to 5,000 lumens and will last around 10,000 hours.

via SlashGear