Car lighting: a journey through the history of lamps & rear lamps
Electric lamps in cars are a fascinating example of technological innovation in the automotive sector. They have their roots in the early 1930s when the spread of electric light began and companies like HELLA developed pioneering products such as fog lamps and cornering lighting. But the history of lamps and rear lamps in the world of automotive lighting goes back even further. Much further.
For over a century, lamps and rear lamps have been accompanying people on their night-time journeys. From simple candle lamps right up to state-of-the-art LED and OLED technologies, lighting technology has steadily evolved in so many fascinating ways. This development has not only improved the safety and efficiency of vehicles, but it has also extended the design possibilities. In 2024, HELLA, a pioneer in automotive lighting, celebrates its 125th birthday – an ideal occasion to look back on the milestones achieved in lighting technology.
Let there be light: acetylene lamps and oil lamps (1890s - 1920s)
The history of lamps and rear lamps began back in the 1890s when the first cars were still equipped with acetylene or oil lamps. These lamps were simple and functional, but only provided a limited amount of light and were not always safe to use. The company known as the Westfälische Metall-Industrie Aktien-Gesellschaft (WMI) from Lippstadt in Germany – better known today as HELLA – soon began to play an important role.
Founded in 1899 by Sally Windmüller, the company specialised in the production of bulb horns and also of candle and paraffin lamps for carriages. The name HELLA was first registered as a brand name for a carbide lamp for vehicles back in 1908. Interestingly, candle and paraffin lamps were among the first products of a bicycle and carriage lantern factory founded in the same year.
The history of lamp development at HELLA is characterised by countless innovations that have revolutionised automotive lighting. As far back as 1908, HELLA began introducing the first electric lamp. This innovation was taken further in 1915 with the development of the first low beam, which significantly improved night-time driving safety.
Electrification and the introduction of halogen lamps (1930s - 1960s)
The era of electric lamps began in the 1930s with the increasing spread of electric light. The first fog lamps and even cornering lamps were developed as early as 1930.
The year of 1957 saw HELLA receiving type approval for lamps with asymmetrical light distribution. In the 1960s, the first halogen lamps were developed, which offered significantly higher luminous efficacy and a longer service life than their predecessors. Halogen lamps quickly became the standard and dominated automotive lighting until the late 1990s.
In 1971, HELLA launched the first H4 light sources on the market, which are still today used in new vehicles. The first DE projection lamp was introduced in 1983, followed by the free-form reflector in 1988, which enabled more precise light distribution.
The era of electric lamps began in the 1930s with the increasing spread of electric light.
Revolution with xenon technology (the 1990s)
The introduction of xenon lamps in the 1990s marked a significant technological leap. Xenon lamps, also known as HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps, provide exceptionally high luminosity and a considerably better colour temperature when compared with halogen lamps. This significantly improved visibility and safety for night driving. In 1992 the first series of HELLA xenon lamps went into production, and just five years later the prototypes of bi-xenon lamps were showcased.
The breakthrough of LED technology (the 2000s)
The era of LED lamps made its entrance at the start of the new millennium. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are characterised by their energy efficiency, durability and versatility. They make innovative designs possible and can light up in a variety of colours, features which have revolutionised both the aesthetic and also the functional design of vehicles.
New light sources and intelligent lighting systems
In 2008 HELLA presents the first full LED lamp in the passenger car segment. Then in 2010, the first camera-based xenon lamp system with adaptive cut-off line is presented. The first lamp with LED main light function for the truck segment follows in 2012. The year of 2013 witnesses HELLA launching the first LED matrix lamps with glare-free high beam on the market.
Another innovation in vehicle lighting is OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes), which offer incredible possibilities for customised lighting designs. Intelligent lighting systems, which enable even more precise control of light, ramp up safety levels by means of adaptive light that adjusts to ambient conditions. Laser light as an auxiliary high beam, still unthinkable just a few decades ago, is now a reality.
The so-called front phygital shields from HELLA are a particularly exciting development. As part of the vehicle front, they combine physical and digital elements and integrate various functions such as lighting, sensors and digital displays in one single element. This means that in future it will be possible to show digital displays and information that can be viewed both by the driver and by people outside the vehicle. This can be useful, for example, to display the condition/status of the vehicle, charging information for electric cars or any other kind of warning.
So one thing is absolutely sure: ever since lamps, rear lamps and direction indicators have been around, they have made driving not only safer, but also more comfortable. New lighting technologies increase both vision and visibility, seeing and being seen – and they also enhance the well-being of the driver. And after all, the light temperatures of LED lamps can even make driving less tiring.
The year of 2013 witnesses HELLA launching the first LED matrix lamps with glare-free high beam on the market.
More light = more visibility = more safety – and HELLA has been a leading light for over 125 years
The history of automotive lamps is a fascinating journey that has taken us from simple, flickering lights to highly complex and efficient lighting systems. Over these 125 years, HELLA has made a significant contribution to this development with innovations that have pushed out the boundaries of the possible. And while we await the next generation of vehicle lighting technology, the importance of safe and efficient lighting systems remains central to the future of mobility.