From Ralf Schäfer, automotive lighting expert
Philips Automotive Lighting have successfully released their D5S 25w HID headlamp light source for series production this past summer; regulatory authorities gave it the go-ahead in July. Starting October 2012, theory becomes practical as Hyundai-Kia are the first automaker to put a D5S headlamp in a series-production car, the new Kia K3.
In general, the 25w HID concept gains ground since 2010 with its launch on the Audi A1 Eco model and the VW Beetle. In line with the industrial availability of the fully- integrated D5S bulb, the adoption of 25w HID is expected to ramp up due to the simplicity of the D5S application. D5S incorporates ease of use like halogen bulbs, but at much higher lighting performance. In general, market response confirms that the targeted segment of B/C car models reacts positively to the offer addressing real end customer needs.
But what of the the future prospects for the D5S bulb? Leo Metzemaekers, Philips Automotive Lighting’s Senior Director of OEM Global Strategic Marketing, says the 25w HID system improves night driving safety with its relatively high output compared to halogen, with only modest cost increase because the new D5S system is integral and simple. “In this sense, the Xenon safety experience is made affordable for car segments not reachable before by the Xenon 35w technology. Additionally, the lower power consumption and weight reduction will help to reduce CO 2 -emission. Especially, the combined benefits of the fully-integrated D5S-bulb based on the concept of one single part only with 12V in and light out and compactness and a reduced building depth due the shortened light center length of the D5S make it very easy and with limited resources, to design a headlamp system or even replace current halogen systems with the D5S. Finally, 25W Xenon will offer a perfect color match to LED based DRL styling features”.
The picture below shows an exploded view of the fully integrated D5S bulb as released by Philips.