The auto industry annually debuts new electronics and machinery to improve the driving experience. In the last two years, quantum dot technology has taken the sector by storm by enhancing displays and heightening efficiency. Here’s more on this automotive innovation and how you can take advantage of it.
The Rise of Quantum Dot Technology
Quantum dots are a fairly recent discovery – scientists created them in the 1980s by manipulating the size of particles. These experts initially studied how their electrons reacted to light, thus opening the door to tech advancements. More recent research has focused on various geometries and compositions to expand the quantum dot world to more applications.
Samsung introduced the first quantum LED TV in 2017, which contained nanocrystals and heightened color control. QLED displays have become more prominent in TVs in the last decade, and automakers are racing to introduce such technologies in their vehicles.
In late 2023, Hyundai Mobis introduced the first quantum dot display for automobiles. Most vehicles have OLED technology, though the manufacturer says its quantum dot screens improve the color quality at a lower price. If it succeeds, the Hyundai Mobis technology could spur a quantum leap in automotive displays and benefit drivers.
How Quantum Dot Technology Can Elevate Your Car Display
As quantum dot displays become more mainstream, the automotive industry will forge a more illuminating path. How will they affect car displays? Here are three significant advantages.
1. Enhanced Colors
Brighter, vibrant colors are one of the most noticeable benefits of quantum dot technology. These displays leverage nanocrystals containing tiny semiconductor particles to improve the colors on your screen.
Each car display will have enhanced accuracy and control thanks to the wider range of colors. Quantum dots act as filters and make the colors appear more vibrant and lifelike. Therefore, your display looks modernized and makes the entertainment more immersive.
2. Improved Contrast Ratios
Imagine driving down the road at sunrise or sunset when the sun’s rays are at their worst. Quantum dot technology reduces the glare through its local dimming zones, meaning the display is dim in the backlight but brighter up front. While the overall brightness is lower, the information on the screen is easier to see when the glare is overwhelming.
Quantum dot technology wields these local dimming zones to reduce bloom and enhance the picture quality. Some quantum dot-integrated displays may use polarized filters to reduce glare’s impact. The power originates from the enhanced contrast ratios, which enhance all shades and reduce the need for excessive brightness.
3. Energy Efficiency
While color and contrast are essential, quantum dot technology emphasizes sustainability solutions through energy efficiency. Less backlight means the electrical system sees less strain, thus extending battery life. Drivers could benefit from a slightly longer range in their EVs due to the reduced power strain.
The sustainability benefits also extend to car audio enthusiasts because of the reduced energy needs. If your quantum dot display consumes less power, it makes room for the amplifiers and subwoofers. More efficient displays could also produce less electrical noise and reduce interference with the audio signals.
How to Put Quantum Dot Technology in Your Vehicle
Quantum dot technology could be a significant upgrade for your vehicle’s interior. What should you consider before installing equipment with this feature? Here are a few tips for approaching the display once it becomes more widely available.
1. Considering Compatibility
Compatibility is king when installing a quantum dot head unit. Start by checking the size of the dash to ensure it can fit your head unit. If you have a double-DIN dash, it’s more likely to fit large displays due to its larger opening. Regardless, there are head units available for single- and double-din dashes.
Then, you must check the compatibility with the electric systems, as older cars may need adapters to ensure a seamless transition. Then, inspect the wiring harness and power supplies to see if they can support the power requirements for your quantum dot display. When in doubt, refer to the owner’s manual for information specific to your vehicle’s display.
2. Find a Head Unit
Once you understand compatibility, it’s time to find a head unit. Your choice of device should be compatible with the software requirements of the quantum dot display. In addition, the head unit must produce the proper video signal — such as HDMI — and fit the size of your dash..
Quantum dot displays produce high resolutions, thus requiring a lot more processing power. Ensure your head unit can support the display without lag or other performance issues. Acquiring the head unit means you’re almost ready to install, so gather the right tools for the job. Stretching and deforming could lead to costly repairs, considering the tiny electronic connections.
3. Installing the Display
When installing a new display, you’ll need 30 minutes for simple tasks or closer to four hours for more extensive projects. Here’s how to get the job done:
- First, disconnect the battery and remove the old stereo.
- Wire the new car stereo while ensuring the colors match each harness. Now, you’re ready to install the stereo.
- Connect the wires before installing the head unit.
- Connect the battery and test the stereo prior to the dash installation.
- If it works, add mounting brackets to the head unit and slide the stereo into the opening.
When Will Quantum Dot Technology Arrive in New Models?
The automotive industry first saw quantum dot screens at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024. Drivers should expect to see this technology in newer models, considering its rapid growth in the last couple of years. While Hyundai Mobis introduced the first one, other manufacturers and researchers are lining up with proprietary technologies.
For example, Samsung and Harman announced a partnership in early 2025 to produce automotive technologies like displays. In the past, the pairing has developed cadmium-free technology and local dimming displays for personal devices. Now, these companies are working to bring quantum dot technology to your car’s interior.
Using Quantum Dot Technology for Interior Displays
Quantum dot technology has revolutionized the TV experience for homes worldwide, and researchers say the next frontier is automobiles. Integrated displays improve the display through enhanced contrast, accurate colors and energy efficiency. While not widely available yet, these interior screens have enormous potential due to their potential benefits and promising early results.
