Looking to find out if you have Matrix Headlights, or what features they have? Or do you want to know if you can get them retrofitted? This article has you covered!
Matrix Headlight Features
Tesla’s new matrix headlights have quite a few cool features, some of which are available only in Europe, but some of which are also now available in North America!
The Adaptive headlights feature brighten and dim selective LEDs based upon both oncoming vehicles and vehicles ahead of you, helping to reduce headlight glare for other vehicles, while also providing the driver (or FSD!) with as much light as possible.
Matrix headlights will also follow curves in the road, delivering light to the direction that you steer in. This is a pretty impressive and useful feature, which helps to ensure that drivers can see where they’re going in the dark, even on winding roads.
For now, Europe has some additional features – with the ability to illuminate even further on highways than in North America. We’re not sure when or if this will come to North America – as it may be a legislative or policy issue with the NHTSA or its Canadian equivalent.
The final cool feature – Matrix headlights can display complex imagery or text in Lightshows! This one is neat for those who enjoy Tesla Lightshows – run any default Lightshow and T E S L A should show up if you’re parked up against a wall.
When Matrix Headlights were delivered
Tesla began to deliver Matrix headlights initially on the Model 3 and Model Y, starting in early 2022. However, due to the pandemic and parts issues, many late 2022 and early 2023 models still have projector headlights on most variants in the range. The Model S, since its refresh, has always shipped with Matrix headlights. On the other hand, the first Model X vehicles with Matrix headlights only shipped in June of 2023.
The updated 2024 Model 3 Highland also has support for Adaptive high beams.
At this point, nobody is quite sure whether the Cybertruck has shipped with Adaptive headlight support just yet. Of note is the fact that the 2024.20 adaptive headlight update does not include the Cybertruck in the list of effected vehicles in particular.
How to tell if you have Matrix Headlights
Determining if you have Matrix Headlights is pretty simple! Look at your headlights from in front, preferably when the vehicle is turned off. If you see a large, round projector lens like the image below, your vehicle has matrix headlights.
Matrix headlights have a circular dome projector on the outer edge.
Not a Tesla App
Matrix Headlight Retrofits
If you don’t have Matrix headlights, and do really want to have these features, there are a few ways to get them onto your vehicle. Based on an estimate received on June 03, 2024, the older reflector-to-matrix headlight retrofit is possible, but quite expensive unless you’re up for some DIY.
Tesla provided an estimate of approximately $1,500 per headlight on a Model Y (one left, one right), and a labour fee of approximately $550 USD. This quote was received in Canada, so there may be some differences based on your local service center. This price is also drastically higher for the Model S and Model X, according to the conversation had with Tesla Service.
On the flipside, they also mentioned that if you find the headlights yourselves, and do the installation on your own, they’ll enable the flag to turn on Adaptive Headlights. You may be able to find new or used Matrix headlights at part vendors or on auction sites, at your own risk.
But one note of caution – until this flag is enabled, your new headlights won’t work at all! They said they’d charge the equivalent of a service visit fee for this – approximately $50.
DIY Headlight Swap Overview
You can find Matrix headlights for the Model Y and Model 3 on auction sites for approximately $300-$400 USD each. The installation procedure is not the easiest, but it is something that a confident owner could swap out. We’d estimate this procedure would take an average user about 2 to 4 hours to do. You don’t need a second set of hands for this in particular, but they would speed up the process of realigning the front fascia and frunk compartment.
After that is a harder step – the front fascia. If you’ve got PPF on, this may be a even more complicated, as your front fascia PPF may also include the headlights. The fascia is held on with bolts and clips – you’ll want to carefully follow the Service Manual here.
After that, you remove one headlight at a time – disconnecting the electrical connector, and then removing the Torx bolts holding it in place.
When putting your new ones in, you’ll need to align the red alignment stud into the correct spot – a similar red alignment hole in the body of your vehicle. After that, reinstall the Torx bolts and electrical connections, and then put it all back together!
You’ll need to conduct a full vehicle Software Reinstall, another procedure available in the Service Menu. This will initialize the headlights, but they will not light up. You’ll need Tesla Service or a ToolBox3 subscription to enable the “Global” flag for headlights in your vehicle, disabling the “SAE” flag. Once that’s done, make sure to align your headlights!
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On March 27, the U.S. Administration announced a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and foreign-made automotive parts, an attempt to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Currently, Tesla and Rivian stand out as the major EV automakers with a predominantly U.S.-built lineup.
In this analysis, we’ll explore the potential impact of these tariffs, examining key factors and what they mean for the industry moving forward.
Percentage of American Parts
One key item we want to point out here before we continue is that the NHTSA defines North American made parts as parts built in either the United States or Canada - Mexico is not included in this number. In November 2024, we found out the percentage of parts Tesla uses that come from the U.S. and Canada. At the top we have Tesla’s Model 3, which uses 75% North American parts.
We’ll be sticking with overall percentage of North American parts since we don’t actually know what percentage Tesla sources from Canada. We do know today that some cameras, essential die parts, and other key components are sourced from Canada for nearly every vehicle in Tesla’s lineup - so it isn’t an insignificant percentage.
Insulated from Tariffs?
At first glance, Tesla may seem insulated from these tariffs. However, its dependence on a global supply chain—particularly parts moving across the U.S.-Canada border under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—adds complexity to the equation. Additionally, potential retaliatory tariffs from Canada could further pressure Tesla, a trend already evident in the company being excluded from multiple EV incentives across the country.
While Canada isn’t Tesla’s largest market, it still accounts for a meaningful share of sales. Even a small decline in that market could have a noticeable impact on the company’s bottom line.
Domestic Advantage
Tesla’s domestic advantage is impressive—it manufactures all vehicles sold in North America at just two facilities: Tesla Fremont and Gigafactory Texas. The initial 25% tariff, set to take effect on April 2, 2025, applies to cars and light trucks assembled outside the U.S., likely dealing a heavy blow to competitors like Hyundai and Volkswagen. According to a Goldman Sachs report, these tariffs could drive up vehicle prices by $5,000 to $15,000.
However, this advantage is partially offset by exemptions under the USMCA. To avoid the full tariff, vehicles and parts must meet a strict “rules of origin” requirement, meaning at least 75% of components must come from the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. This exemption remains in place until May 3, 2025, when the second stage of tariffs kicks in—targeting non-U.S. content more directly.
Effectively, the NHTSA and USMCA’s existing framework for defining “North American-made” components is being upended. This shift plays to Tesla’s strengths, but to understand the full impact, we need to take a closer look at its supply chain.
Supply Chains
Tesla’s supply chain is deeply integrated across North America. Approximately 25% of the Model 3 Long Range RWD and AWD comes from Mexico - and some undefined percentage also comes from Canada. That number rises significantly for the other vehicle’s in Tesla’s line-up, which is available in the chart below from early November 2024.
Phase 2 of the tariffs will place an increasing impact on Tesla - especially as it won’t be simple nor quick for Tesla to move all part production to the United States.
Vehicle
Pct made in US/Canada
Model 3 LR AWD/RWD
75%
Model 3 Performance
70%
Model Y (All Variants)
70%
Cybertruck
65%
Model S
65%
Model X
60%
Battery Production
This is particularly evident in Tesla’s reliance on Canadian minerals, which are crucial for its battery production. Tesla sources key materials like nickel, lithium, and cobalt from Canadian mines, with most of these resources being shipped across the border in an unrefined state. Currently, these shipments face a relatively low 10% tariff from Canada. However, potential retaliatory tariffs could drive costs higher or even restrict access to these essential minerals.
While limiting access may seem extreme, Ontario has already threatened to halt nickel exports from Canada’s largest nickel mine to the U.S.—a move that could pose a serious challenge for Tesla.
Even Elon Musk has acknowledged that Tesla won’t emerge from these tariffs unscathed.
Important to note that Tesla is NOT unscathed here. The tariff impact on Tesla is still significant.
Tariffs are rarely a one-way street. Canada and Mexico are likely to respond with retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-made auto parts or vehicles. Both countries have already explored reducing EV incentives by excluding Tesla from certain rebates. Additionally, there have been discussions about imposing tariffs specifically on Tesla, partly due to Elon Musk’s political involvement.
Consumer Impact
Several scenarios impacting consumers can unfold in response to these upcoming tariffs.
In the short term, higher prices for competitors could drive more customers toward Tesla as they seek more affordable products. However, increased import costs could force Tesla to either absorb the expense or raise prices—potentially offsetting any sales gains.
Cox Automotive, a leading industry analyst, has warned that by mid-April 2025, North America could see reduced production, tighter supply, and rising vehicle prices. Tesla, despite its domestic production, won’t be immune to these effects due to its reliance on a continental supply chain.
To mitigate long-term costs, Tesla could explore securing domestic mineral rights—an expensive move initially but one that could provide stability if tariffs remain in place for years under the current administration.
However, Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja acknowledged during the Q4 2025 Earnings Call that the company remains heavily dependent on global parts sourcing. Given Tesla’s own admission of the impact, consumers should expect price increases as the company adjusts to the shifting trade landscape.
What to Take Away
Overall, the 25% tariff presents a double-edged sword for Tesla. While it may offer short-term advantages by making competitors’ vehicles more expensive, long-term, Tesla will also be impacted. Tesla’s reliance on cross-border parts, coupled with potential retaliatory tariffs, could quickly escalate costs and increase vehicle prices.
As the political landscape around tariffs continues to evolve on what seems to be a daily basis, Tesla will need to navigate these changes carefully. Tesla’s supply chain has been optimized for cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Any changes that happen could be driven by the new tariffs. Tesla may be forced to make changes that prioritize reducing tariff costs, potentially at the expense of efficiency. However, if these policies continue to evolve or if tariffs are later removed, Tesla is then stuck with a less-efficient supply change.
The company will likely address these challenges in detail during the Q1 2025 Earnings Call, though that remains several weeks away.
Over the years, Tesla has introduced UI elements that indicate when specific hardware or software features are active—and these two new dots follow the same pattern.
In June 2024, Tesla introduced the ability to see which third-party apps have access to the vehicle’s location, and these new indicator dots have a similar goal — to improve transparency on features that impact privacy.
Green Dot
If you’ve noticed a green dot on your Tesla display or the instrument cluster for the Model S or Model X, then you have access to Tesla’s hands-free Autopilot feature.
The green dot is displayed on the screen whenever FSD or Autopilot is active and the vehicle is using the interior camera to monitor the driver’s attention.
The cabin camera does a much better job monitoring the driver than the old method of sensing torque on the steering wheel. The cabin camera detects driver attention by tracking the driver’s head and eyes and making sure they’re focusing on the road. If the driver looks away from the road for an extended period, the vehicle will warn the driver or issue a strike for repeat offenses.
If the cabin camera is occluded or obscured, or if it’s simply too dark, the vehicle will fall back to monitoring the driver by detecting torque on the steering wheel.
The presence of the green dot not only lets the driver know that the interior camera is being used but also lets them know whether they need to keep their hands on the steering wheel.
It’s important to note that images and video taken with the interior camera are processed in the vehicle and do not leave the vehicle unless you have granted access for Tesla to use them to improve functionality.
You can check your privacy and data sharing policy in Controls > Software and tap the Data Sharing button at the bottom.
Orange Dot
The orange dot functions similarly to the green one, but instead of indicating cabin camera usage, it appears when the vehicle’s microphone is active. This was added with software update 2025.2, which now listens for audio cues to detect emergency vehicles and other types of noises that could help the vehicle better understand its environment in the future.
Tesla is currently collecting this data to refine its ability to detect emergency vehicles even before they come into view. This capability is expected to be added in FSD v14 along with a larger model size.
Like cabin camera analytics, drivers can opt to share audio data with Tesla to improve detection accuracy. Many users received an “Allow Sound Detection Analytics” prompt following the recent update. If they consent, Tesla may use certain audio snippets to help improve their detection model. Any data transmitted to Tesla is not linked to a specific user or vehicle, so it can’t be tied to a specific individual.
Otherwise, all audio detection and processing is completed in the vehicle to ensure the driver’s privacy.
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