Panel by Hella: lights and sensors in the front

The transition to electric mobility is not only changing car manufacturers’ model ranges, but also providing new approaches to suppliers. Hella lighting professionals use the capabilities of working without the classic radiator grille for new design concepts.

The free space in the front of the electric car can be used by an illuminated panel. With LED technology, it should be possible to create different signatures in daylight and night. But lighting is not the only purpose. In addition to the headlights, Hella also wants to integrate sensors for driving aids in the form of radar, lidar and under-hood cameras.

Heating for more steering in winter

The integrated heater is designed to ensure that all assistance systems – and in the future also autonomous driving functions – operate reliably even in snowy and icy temperatures. A European car manufacturer is already a Hella customer for the multifunction board. The panel, more than one meter wide, is scheduled to go into series production in a “European electric vehicle brand” before the end of this year.

Conclusion

The omission of the radiator grille offers new design possibilities for electric cars. The supplier Hella offers a panel with lighting technology that also serves as a cover for the car’s sensors and cameras. Thanks to the heating function, vehicles do not become “blind” even in winter.