Does Cybertruck have adaptive matrix headlights?

[SCTesla]

All vehicles with adaptive headlights state that in the owners manual. The CT does not.

So that's not definitive, but they probably aren't adaptive.

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[CyberZephyr]

What makes you think that's the case?

Because it uses them in light shows, and Tesla has already pretty much switched over to matrix with its other models.

 

[Shygar]

Because it uses them in light shows, and Tesla has already pretty much switched over to matrix with its other models.

I've done a light show and never saw any writing.

 

[CyberZephyr]

I've done a light show and never saw any writing.

Really? Maybe it's just the Chinese one then. (this has matrix, but it's Chinese).

 

[Shygar]

Really? Maybe it's just the Chinese one then. (this has matrix, but it's Chinese).

There's no writing anywhere in that video.

 

[CyberZephyr]

There's no writing anywhere in that video.

I assumed it was matrix if it could flash different parts of the headlight.

 

[Jhodgesatmb]

I've done a light show and never saw any writing.

Having matrix headlights and being able to use them are two separate things. Tesla can install them but until they got the go ahead from the NHTSA they couldn’t be used as such. So the question is whether the CT headlights are active matrix and not whether they are currently active (which we know they are not).

 

[Shygar]

Having matrix headlights and being able to use them are two separate things. Tesla can install them but until they got the go ahead from the NHTSA they couldn’t be used as such. So the question is whether the CT headlights are active matrix and not whether they are currently active (which we know they are not).

Then why can my 2023 Model Y use them in a light show? That has nothing to do with driving. I really hope we have matrix headlights but I suspect we do not. They could have easily put a cool Cybertruck logo in the light show but they didn't.

 

[HaulingAss]

I assumed it was matrix if it could flash different parts of the headlight.

Judging by the video of the Cybertruck lightshow, I would say it doesn't have full matrix headlights but they look like they can selectively illuminate left to right to provide better roadside illumination, when there isn't oncoming traffic. If there is a "matrix" it's probably limited to a matrix that is only 2 cells in the vertical direction.

That said, I think the Cybertruck headlights are really good, better than our 2018 Tesla Model 3s and on par with our 2024 Model 3 Performance. As with any headlight, they perform best if you keep the road film cleaned off of them. It's amazing how much difference that makes.

And whatever kind of car you have, whatever you do, don't be stupid and apply "blackout film" to headlight lenses. Contrary to the idiots that claim it doesn't significantly reduce light output, of course it does.

 

[Jhodgesatmb]

Then why can my 2023 Model Y use them in a light show? That has nothing to do with driving. I really hope we have matrix headlights but I suspect we do not. They could have easily put a cool Cybertruck logo in the light show but they didn't.

I really don’t know, of course, but maybe they work in light show but not while driving due to regulations. As for the CT, and as @HaulingAss mentioned, even if the CT has a matrix it would probably much few cells. The new Model Y has a similar headlight to the CT and it is supposed to be the first car Tesla activates the matrix headlights on, so we should find out soon.

 

[dalton108]

I really don’t know, of course, but maybe they work in light show but not while driving due to regulations. As for the CT, and as @HaulingAss mentioned, even if the CT has a matrix it would probably much few cells. The new Model Y has a similar headlight to the CT and it is supposed to be the first car Tesla activates the matrix headlights on, so we should find out soon.

Yeah, I’m very sure this is incorrect (even more so if “HA” thinks it’s true).

All Teslas have had active matrix lights for some time in the UK and other markets. My 2021 model three performance built and delivered in December 2020 had matrix headlights.

This was, if I’m not mistaken, the first Tesla to have them. You are correct that they were not legal to be activated in the US which is why Tesla demonstrated the capabilities in light show. That car was programmed to display Tesla when the headlights are on during light show. But even then, unless you were parked at the right distance from a structure/flat surface, you’d never see it.

My ‘23 model S and ‘24 X also definitely have matrix headlights. Though I’ve never tried to position them to make sure that you can see the words. Not putting in them in the Cybertruck would be a weird omission/choice.

In my view, the burden would be on anyone who believes that the CT doesn’t have matrix headlights to demonstrate that as fact. Otherwise SOP since 2021 has been new cars get matrix headlights.

I guess an argument for the Cybertruck not having them could be that we’re the only market. I doubt that cost would be a big enough delta to explain the omission though.

I believe that all that Lars and Franz said on Jay Leno was that the new model Y is the first one that they’ll be able to activate the matrix headlights. That’s a simple software switch and my read of the conversation was they’ll be activating them for all equipped vehicles within a couple of months.

 

[dalton108]

Here’s what $200 worth of “deep research” thinks with references.

Too long/won’t/didn’t read:

- Largely confirms what I know to be true about every other Tesla since 2021.

- Agrees with me, apparently, that it’s highly unlikely that the cybertruck would not have them and, more importantly, there’s plenty of evidence that they do.

-————————————

Matrix LED Headlights in the Tesla Cybertruck

Official Specifications and Tesla Statements

Tesla has not heavily advertised the Cybertruck’s headlights as “matrix LEDs” on its public website, but official spec sheets and Tesla executives’ comments strongly indicate that the Cybertruck does use matrix LED headlight hardware. For example, the Cybertruck’s feature list (as reported by Car and Driver and dealer spec sheets) describes its headlights as “Programmable Reflector LED low/high beams” with “auto-leveling” and “directionally adaptive auto high-beams” . This technical description essentially confirms a matrix LED system – an array of LEDs that can be individually controlled – even if Tesla doesn’t use the word “matrix” in consumer marketing. Additionally, Tesla’s VP of Engineering, Lars Moravy, has indicated that all newer Tesla models equipped with the updated headlamps have matrix technology built-in  . In fact, Tesla-centric sources report that “the new Model 3 Highland and the Cybertruck also have the Matrix LEDs” in their hardware . This aligns with Tesla’s approach on other vehicles: Tesla began quietly equipping cars with matrix LED headlights around 2022, even before the adaptive features were enabled via software . Given that the Cybertruck was first delivered in late 2023, it falls into the generation of Teslas that carry matrix-capable LED headlights in hardware .

Teardown and Hardware Insights

While a full public teardown of the Cybertruck’s headlights is still limited, early analyses and insider observations support the presence of matrix LED hardware. Enthusiast forums and Tesla tech experts note that the Cybertruck uses Tesla’s second-generation matrix headlight design, similar to what’s found in the refreshed Model 3/Y headlights . This likely means the Cybertruck’s slim front light bar contains multiple LED emitters or segments that can be individually controlled, rather than a single conventional projector beam. Indeed, Tesla’s own documentation for other models explains that matrix headlights consist of an array of LEDs that can create “multiple smaller rays” of light selectively . Although detailed teardown data on the Cybertruck’s headlamp internals hasn’t been widely published yet, the consensus from reputable sources is that the physical hardware supports matrix/adaptive lighting. In other words, the Cybertruck’s lighting isn’t a simple one-piece light strip – it’s built with a segmented LED array consistent with matrix technology. This hardware should, in theory, allow for advanced functions like selective beam dimming and shaping, once software enables it.

Automotive Press and Expert Reports

Reputable automotive outlets have also acknowledged the Cybertruck’s matrix LED headlights. As mentioned, Car and Driver’s spec listing for the 2025 Cybertruck explicitly notes “programmable” LED beams and “directionally adaptive” lighting features  – terminology that points to matrix headlights. Tesla-focused news sites echo this: Tesla Oracle, for instance, states plainly that the Cybertruck comes with “advanced LED Matrix headlights” as part of its standard equipment . Likewise, Drive Tesla Canada and other outlets reported that Tesla’s adaptive headlight functionality (adaptive high beams and beam shaping) would roll out to “all of its vehicles equipped with matrix LED headlights” , implying the Cybertruck is included in that group. In summary, the consensus in the automotive press is that the Cybertruck does have matrix LED headlight hardware, even if Tesla has been relatively quiet about it in marketing materials. This is consistent with Tesla’s broader move to equip vehicles with matrix LEDs and then enable their full capabilities via software updates once regulations allow  .

Current Functionality vs. Hardware

It’s important to distinguish the Cybertruck’s hardware capability from its currently enabled features. In terms of hardware, the Cybertruck is equipped with matrix LED headlights, as multiple sources confirm. However, as of early 2025, Tesla has been cautious about activating all matrix functions (like adaptive beam shaping) in North America due to regulatory approval timing  . In fact, early owners noted that the Cybertruck’s user manual did not explicitly mention “adaptive headlights,” suggesting that full matrix functionality was not yet active from the factory . This doesn’t contradict the presence of the matrix hardware – rather, it mirrors what happened with other Teslas (Model 3/Y) that had matrix LED hardware for some time before Tesla enabled features like adaptive high-beams via software . Lars Moravy has confirmed that Tesla is working to roll out adaptive beam software to the Cybertruck and other models now that U.S. regulations allow it  . In other regions (and in testing demos), Tesla has already showcased the capability of these matrix lights – for example, by projecting patterns and adjusting beams to avoid dazzling other drivers . So, the hardware is there, and software updates are expected to unlock its full matrix functionality in the Cybertruck in due course .

Conclusion

All evidence from official specs, credible analyses, and Tesla’s own statements indicates that the Tesla Cybertruck does come with matrix LED headlight hardware. The vehicle’s front lighting system is made up of an array of LED elements capable of individual control, rather than a single fixed-beam unit  . This means the Cybertruck’s headlights were designed with advanced matrix/adaptive lighting technology in mind. While Tesla has been slow to enable all the smart features of these matrix lights (due to regulatory hurdles and the need for software updates), the hardware foundation is firmly in place. In summary, the Cybertruck is equipped with matrix LED headlights in hardware, as confirmed by official-like spec descriptions and reputable automotive sources  . Owners can expect that as regulations catch up and software updates roll out, the Cybertruck’s matrix LED headlights will be fully utilized for adaptive high beams and precise beam control – just as Tesla intended when building the truck’s futuristic lighting system.

Sources: Tesla Oracle (Feb 2025) ; Car and Driver Specs ; Not A Tesla App (Oct 2024) ; Drive Tesla Canada  ; Cybertruck Owners Club Forum .

 

[Shygar]

Yeah, I’m very sure this is incorrect (even more so if “HA” thinks it’s true).

All Teslas have had active matrix lights for some time in the UK and other markets. My 2021 model three performance built and delivered in December 2020 had matrix headlights.

This was, if I’m not mistaken, the first Tesla to have them. You are correct that they were not legal to be activated in the US which is why Tesla demonstrated the capabilities in light show. That car was programmed to display Tesla when the headlights are on during light show. But even then, unless you were parked at the right distance from a structure/flat surface, you’d never see it.

My ‘23 model S and ‘24 X also definitely have matrix headlights. Though I’ve never tried to position them to make sure that you can see the words. Not putting in them in the Cybertruck would be a weird omission/choice.

In my view, the burden would be on anyone who believes that the CT doesn’t have matrix headlights to demonstrate that as fact. Otherwise SOP since 2021 has been new cars get matrix headlights.

I guess an argument for the Cybertruck not having them could be that we’re the only market. I doubt that cost would be a big enough delta to explain the omission though.

I believe that all that Lars and Franz said on Jay Leno was that the new model Y is the first one that they’ll be able to activate the matrix headlights. That’s a simple software switch and my read of the conversation was they’ll be activating them for all equipped vehicles within a couple of months.

My guess for us not having them is the location of the headlights, maybe not enough space for them? Otherwise being a smaller volume product I would think we would get them.

 

[dalton108]

My guess for us not having them is the location of the headlights, maybe not enough space for them? Otherwise being a smaller volume product I would think we would get them.

Again I am 100% certain they have them. Literally no reason for them not to no other car that they make doesn’t since 2021. And, see the extensive research in my post above from ChatGPT o1. You can check the sources if you like. There’s no question in my mind.

Screenshot of my ‘21 M3P doing it in December 2021 (at which point the I had owned the car for a year). There’s no big visual queue that would’ve told you just by looking at the headlight itself that it was different from my wife’s 2020 MY sitting next to it which did not have the feature.

And again, unless you had something for it to reflect off of, that you had positioned at the exact right distance for focus, you would never know what it was doing.

 

[Shygar]

Again I am 100% certain they have them. Literally no reason for them not to no other car that they make doesn’t since 2021. And, see the extensive research in my post above from ChatGPT o1. You can check the sources if you like. There’s no question in my mind.

Maybe someone should try to do a custom light show and see if they can add text like the other cars.

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