Ford asked a question – what if headlights lasted as long as or longer then the truck itself? This just does not seem feasible, but John Teodecki and 2015 Ford F-150 engineering team decided to tackle it. You have surely replaced many a truck or car lightbulb in your life. You have likely either resurfaced your faded headlamp plastic lenses or completely replaced your headlight assemblies. Ford thinks those days can be behind us.
The 2015 F-150 is the first application of LED headlamps in a light-duty pickup truck. Yes, other pickups are already using LED running lights to complement traditional halogen or high intensity discharge (HID) lights. However, full LED low and high beam headlights have only been seen on high-end luxury and sports cars. Ford ambitiously bringing this technology to the most popular vehicle in the country.
LED lights are more energy efficient (about 63% more efficient) and also offer great visibility and aesthetic appearance. The new F-150 headlight unit weighs only 11 pounds and is strong enough to support a person standing on it. The lens is carefully designed and 80 facets are cut into it to spread the light evenly. Ford put this lens to many harsh tests, including: firing stones, saltwater baths, rock salt, ice, and extreme sun. It held up, and Ford says that these units will last about five time longer than conventional lights.
Take a look at this TFLtruck – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know video on the 2015 Ford F-150 from Chicago.
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Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFL since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.
