OLEDWorks, a leading global manufacturer of automotive-qualified OLED technology, is the official supplier of the digital OLED rear lighting panels in the new Audi Q6 e-tron. The Q6 e-tron features second-generation digital OLED panels, produced under the Atala brand by OLEDWorks, which marks a tenfold expansion from six to 60 high-contrast segments per panel since the first generation.
Audi Q6 e-tron drivers enjoy the freedom to individualise their cars with a choice of up to eight digital light signatures (depending on the equipment) for the rear digital OLED 2.0 lights. The six digital rear OLED panels in the Q6 e-tron have a total of 360 individually addressable, software-controlled segments that offer exceptional communication capability. The segments function to convey the liveliness and unique personality of the car, with a new image generated every ten milliseconds via Audi’s specially developed algorithm.
Dynamic, digital automotive lighting
“The exciting launch of the first Audi model with second-generation OLED rear lights demonstrates the quality of Atala technology and the unwavering interest in dynamic, digital automotive lighting,” said David DeJoy, CEO of OLEDWorks. “Audi has been a dedicated ally throughout the evolution of Atala and the launching of the first-generation digital OLEDs in the Audi A8 and Q8. We champion their commitment to providing customers with premier personalisation options and advanced safety communication lighting.”
Audi’s digital OLED 2.0 rear lights augment safety functionality and support design for new communication methods suitable for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications. Audi’s proximity indication function is expanded in the Q6 e-tron with a communication light that is integrated with the digital OLED 2.0 rear lights. Relying on swarm data, the communication light is generated automatically, without the need for a special user activation. It has a distinct static rear light signature with integrated warning symbols to alert road users to accidents and other hazardous road situations. The digital rear OLED 2.0 lights also activate the communication light with warning symbols for hazard lights, emergency brake lights, emergency assist and emergency calls (eCall), rear-end collision alert signals (RECAS), and roadside assistance (bCall).
To further enhance safety, Audi designed the Q6 e-tron communication light to include a distinct signature that warns rear-approaching road users that occupants are planning to exit the vehicle. This adds an extra dimension to exit warning functionality that previously only informed occupants, but now extends to other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. The communication light also includes a recognisable light signature to indicate park assist status in automated parking mode, increasing safety by communicating when the car is safe to approach.
World’s first active digital light signature
“The Audi Q6 e-tron offers truly unique aesthetics with the world’s first active digital light signature that combines our design of the light’s shape and its entire movement. This new light design underlines the core identity of the Audi brand, and we are excited to usher in a new era of light design with the second generation of digital OLED technology in the Q6 e-tron,” stated Dr. Werner Thomas, Project Manager OLED-Lighting at AUDI AG.
State-of-the-art Atala OLED technology not only offers enhanced options for vehicle personalisation but also contributes to improved communication for the safety of all road users. The Q6 e-tron is a shining example of Audi’s progressive leadership in lighting design—with aesthetics that not only tap into the power of emotion but also expand the range of superior functional and safety features available to their customers.