Many drivers look enviously into the bright lights of oncoming traffic at night and want the same LED headlights on their cars. Up until now, this was only feasible by replacing the entire headlights or even by changing the vehicle – in many cases it is now sufficient to replace the lightbulbs: For the first time, LED lamps were approved in Austria that can be used instead of halogen lamps.
After extensive testing and approval procedures, the Night Breaker LED was approved for road use by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) in Germany in autumn 2020. Since then it has been a replacement for H7 halogen lamps for the tested vehicle models. The Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology in Austria (BMK) now recognizes the approval of the KBA. This means that the Night Breaker LED is street legal in Austria.
Currently, the approval relates to the low beam of common and designated vehicle models that are registered in Austria. These include popular models such as the BMW 2 Series Gran or Active Tourer, Audi A3, VW Passat or Ford Mondeo (here is the full list). Osram is working with the authorities to expand the range.
The “Night Breaker LEDs” promise light that is comparable in color to daylight and that is up to three times brighter than the minimum legal requirements stipulate. The lamp creates strong contrasts and a long range. Thanks to LED technology, they should shine up to five times longer than a comparable halogen version, need to be replaced less often and also consume less energy. “You can replace halogen lamps with Osram LEDs yourself with a certain amount of specialist knowledge without any modifications, or you can do it the next time you visit the workshop,” says the lamp manufacturer.
And at around 130 euros per set, the LED lamps are significantly cheaper than complete headlight systems.