Intelligent transformation has become the focus of the next stage for automobiles. Among them, in-car screens, as an important carrier for the realization of intelligent functions, are becoming larger and more numerous. In smart cars, screens are integrating with hardware such as audio systems, light strips, microphones, and sensors to achieve richer functions and create a more technologically advanced smart driving experience.
In terms of technology, current in-car screens primarily use LCDs, while OLED/Mini LED are stirring up the high-end market.
The Battle of In-Car Screens: Mini LED is Gradually Becoming Mainstream
In the early stages of in-car screens, the screens only needed to meet functions such as navigation and music playback. LCD became the most mainstream technology in the in-car screen market due to its mature technology, lower cost, and longer lifespan.
As the development of automotive intelligence continues, the shortcomings of LCD technology (low contrast, low brightness, and poor display effects inside the car) have become pain points that major car manufacturers urgently need to address. Thus, OLED technology, which offers higher contrast and thinner designs, has begun to enter the automotive market.
For example, Samsung recently announced that it will provide OLED displays for BMW in 2024, with expected shipments reaching 4 million units, including the entire series of BMW HUDs and the flagship electric vehicle i7; LG’s advanced in-car infotainment (IVI) system has been used in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS, which features three displays using P-OLED technology. Additionally, high-end models such as Audi e-tron, NIO ET7, and Cadillac Escalade are all equipped with OLED screens.
However, due to insufficient brightness in OLED displays, Mini LED has become another option for high-end vehicles.
By upgrading traditional LCD backlighting to Mini LED, LCD technology has achieved a revolutionary breakthrough. Currently, products using Mini LED backlighting are emerging in various forms, from tablets and monitors to televisions, all of which have found a place for Mini LED backlighting technology.
Returning to the in-car field, Mini LED backlighting, with display quality comparable to OLED and a longer lifespan, is moving in tandem with automobiles. According to incomplete statistics from LEDinside, the mass-produced vehicles equipped with Mini LED in-car screens and their screen suppliers include:
In addition, the pure electric concept car VISION EQXX released by Mercedes-Benz in January this year is also equipped with a 47.7-inch integrated Mini LED display.
On the other hand, Mini LED direct display technology has also been applied in automobiles, such as the Great Wall’s Mecha Dragon, which features intelligent tail lights with Mini LED external display technology composed of tens of thousands of LEDs that can display custom patterns.
Upstream and Downstream Forces Unite: In-Car Mini LED is Gaining Momentum
Before 2022, in-car Mini LED screens were frequently mentioned in reports, but actual applications were rare; since 2022, the number of mass-produced vehicles equipped with Mini LED screens has been increasing significantly.
As a new generation display technology, Mini LED is becoming the “main force” in the in-car display battlefield due to its long lifespan, high brightness, high contrast, wide color gamut, and high color saturation. Internationally renowned car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW are choosing large-size, high-resolution, and multi-zone dimming Mini LED screens as highlights for their vehicles, reflecting the luxury and intelligence of a car. The adoption of this technology naturally relies on a collective mobilization of the industry chain.
On one hand, companies are continuously cultivating the Mini LED in-car screen market based on their own technologies, achieving positive results.
In terms of automotive certification, in addition to the aforementioned BOE, Longli Technology, Jufei Optoelectronics, and Innolux, companies like Haiwei Technology, Ruifeng Optoelectronics, Jingke Electronics, and Huayin Core have also obtained automotive-grade certification for their Mini LED backlighting products.
In terms of products, Nationstar Optoelectronics is focusing on developing Mini POB Mini LED backlit in-car central control screens, and can provide diverse driving solutions based on customer customization needs.
Hongli Zhihui began collaborating with well-known module manufacturers on Mini LED in-car products back in 2019 and has deep cooperation with well-known car manufacturers and assembly manufacturers. Currently, Hongli Zhihui’s products in cooperation with customers mainly come in two sizes: 12.3 inches and 15.6 inches.
Ruifeng Optoelectronics’ Mini LED backlighting products have achieved full-scene use both inside and outside the car. Recently, Ruifeng Optoelectronics also showcased in-car Mini LED skylight products.
Jingke Electronics has launched 10-13 inch Mini LED backlighting products that utilize Underfill technology, achieving integrated light drive and equipped with AM driving solutions, with zoning reaching over 128 and NTSC > 100%, offering various customized solutions for customers.
Hisense Visual is currently developing high-end in-car display screens, combining the company’s advantages in Mini LED display and chip technology, with the first batch of high-end in-car display products expected to be delivered in 2022.
Shenzhen Tianma released a 12.3-inch in-car instrument display screen with directional sound at DIC EXPO 2021. This product was jointly developed by Shenzhen Tianma and Qingting Acoustics, boasting global patents. It is reported that Shenzhen Tianma has integrated a new technology for switchable privacy mode into the screen, combining the switchable privacy display effect with a directional sound system, introducing the concept of a “private cinema in the car.” This screen is equipped with ultra-high partition Mini LED technology.
On the other hand, due to the high technical difficulty of in-car screens, industry chain companies are also working together to overcome industrial challenges.
BOE and Jiangqi Group have maintained cooperation since 2013, maintaining close communication around new technologies such as Mini LED and OLED for different vehicle types, including passenger cars and commercial vehicles. On August 16, both parties signed a cooperation agreement based on their deep cooperation foundation, aiming for extensive collaboration in the design and development of in-car display screens and solutions, manufacturing processing, and mass production applications of smart windows, jointly exploring a new ecosystem for smart travel and building an immersive intelligent driving experience for end users.
Automotive cockpit electronic comprehensive service provider Huaxin Xinchuan announced on August 13 its intention to jointly invest with Shenzhen Tianma to establish a joint venture company, Jiangsu Tianhua Automotive Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. This joint venture will establish an independent R&D, testing, self-production or commissioned production, and sales team based on the global market for Chinese independent brand new energy vehicles, directly delivering related products and services for smart cockpits to downstream automotive customers.
It is worth mentioning that the certification cycle for automotive products is relatively long, so although Mini LED in-car screens have shown signs of transitioning from the R&D testing stage to the near mass production stage, most Mini LED manufacturers are still in the product promotion or verification stage, and Mini LED in-car screens are not expected to see significant volume until at least 2023.
Questioning and Growing: Is Multi-Screen Configuration a Necessity?
Currently, the installation rate of multi-screens in vehicles has significantly increased. Although car manufacturers are promoting the benefits of multi-screen configurations by linking them to in-car entertainment, there is still a rising tide of opposition to this trend.
In the era of smart cars with multi-screens, physical function buttons have been integrated into the screens, and as screens integrate more functions, submenus have become increasingly numerous, ultimately requiring multiple clicks to adjust the volume, a task that used to be straightforward.
Of course, smart cars have voice interaction capabilities, allowing consumers to command the cold machine: lower the volume, lower it more, I need it even lower—functions that could previously be accomplished with a simple touch have now become complex, testing the patience of consumers.
Moreover, the increase in the number and size of screens raises concerns about obstructing the driver’s view, potentially becoming a greater safety hazard. Ultimately, while in-car screens enhance technological appeal, they fail to address consumers’ safety concerns. We cannot help but question whether the trend of multi-screen and large-screen configurations in automobiles is truly a consumer demand or merely a merchant’s “trick.”
However, from a long-term perspective, as vehicles serve as intelligent terminals for travel, there are endless possibilities for life connections. Technological advancements will eventually make every journey comfortable, convenient, and safe. Currently, smart cars are still in the early stages, and from another angle, the attempts and uses of new technologies by car manufacturers are helping consumers reduce technological costs.
Let’s give cars some time! In the future, vehicles will achieve a balance between intelligence and safety, technology and cost, and various “black technologies” that were originally only available in high-end models will gradually be applied to economic models. At that time, Mini LED in-car screens will also enter more households, illuminating cars with more humanized brilliance.
Written by: LEDinside Lynn
TrendForce is a global high-tech industry research organization spanning storage, integrated circuits and semiconductors, optoelectronic displays, LED, new energy, intelligent terminals, 5G and communication networks, automotive electronics, and artificial intelligence. The company has accumulated years of rich experience in industry research, government industrial development planning, project evaluation and feasibility analysis, enterprise consulting and strategic planning, and brand marketing, making it a quality partner for government and enterprise clients in conducting industry analysis, planning, evaluation, consulting, and brand promotion in the high-tech field.
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