What is the difference between xenon lights and halogen lights?
2 Answers
Xenon lights and halogen lights differ in the following aspects: 1. Visual perception: Xenon lights emit light by activating gas with high voltage, resembling sunlight; halogen lights produce warm light from heated tungsten filaments, appearing reddish. 2. Luminous intensity: A 35W xenon light can generate strong light of approximately 3200 lumens, while a 55W halogen headlight bulb only provides about 1000 lumens of brightness. Xenon lights refer to headlights filled with a mixture of rare gases including xenon, which create an arc between electrodes to emit light through internal starters and electronic ballasts. The working principle of halogen lights is equivalent to converting a point light source into parallel light through a parabolic lens, thereby providing illumination for vehicles.
I've driven for over a decade and changed several sets of lights. The main differences between xenon and halogen lights lie in their working principles. Halogen lights are essentially upgraded incandescent bulbs, relying on tungsten filaments to glow when electrified, producing yellowish light that offers soft road illumination but limited brightness. Xenon lights are different—they generate light by high-voltage discharge between electrodes to excite xenon gas, producing a bright white beam upon startup that resembles lightning, offering longer range and better energy efficiency. However, in rainy conditions, the yellow light of halogen lamps penetrates haze more effectively, while the white light of xenon lamps tends to reflect off moisture. Additionally, retrofitting xenon lights requires installing ballasts, and replacing a xenon bulb costs over twice as much as a halogen bulb, though their lifespan can outlast three to four halogen bulbs.
