Introduction: Ambient Lighting is Redefining In-Cabin Interaction
As vehicles become increasingly intelligent and electrified, ambient lighting has evolved from a decorative element to a key enabler of brand identity, emotional interaction, and smart cockpit functionality. OEMs are now seeking highly customized, intelligent, and integrated ambient lighting solutions that align with their design vision and user experience goals.
Leveraging our deep expertise in automotive ambient lighting systems, Kepo recently delivered a fully customized solution for a leading NEV (New Energy Vehicle) manufacturer, helping to elevate the light experience in its next-generation electric SUV.
Project Requirements: Tech-Driven and Emotionally Engaging Light Design
The OEM’s core requirements for this project included:
RGB ambient lighting system with 64-color adjustability
Scenario-based lighting effects: welcome animation, drive mode sync, voice assistant feedback
Multi-zone light coverage across door panels, center console, dashboard, and armrest
CAN-bus control integration with vehicle domain controllers
Compliance with automotive-grade reliability and lifetime standards (>50,000 hours)
Kepo’s Full-Cycle Custom Ambient Lighting Solution
1. Full-Zone Optical Design: Uniform Light, Minimal Structure
Kepo’s design integrates linear light guides, optical diffusers, and LED point sources, achieving smooth, uniform lighting across all interior zones while keeping module thickness below 5mm. High-transmission PC materials and surface micro-texturing ensure low glare and high optical efficiency.
2. In-House Developed RGB Controller with CAN Integration
The lighting controller features:
Independent control of up to 8 zones with adjustable brightness, color, and dynamic effects
CAN/CAN-FD protocol compatibility, fully integrated with the vehicle’s main controller
Compliance with EMC automotive standards (ISO 7637, CISPR25)
3. Software-Defined Light Experience with OTA Support
Kepo provides its proprietary K-Light Studio tool, enabling OEMs to:
Visually design light behaviors and animations
Customize light logic for different drive modes or scenarios
Export firmware packages for controller flashing or future OTA updates
4. Automotive-Grade Reliability & Validation
LED components certified to LM80 standards for low degradation
Full validation under thermal cycling, vibration, humidity, salt spray and other automotive tests
AEC-Q100 qualified design, optional IP65 protection for exposed components
Project Results & Customer Feedback
The project has successfully completed B-sample delivery and is scheduled for SOP in an upcoming premium EV platform. The customer praised Kepo for delivering an intelligent, robust, and fully integrated ambient lighting solution with excellent tuning flexibility.
Highlight features such as welcome flow lighting, voice response cues, and drive mode color switching received strong positive feedback in user clinics, significantly enhancing perceived vehicle intelligence and brand appeal.
Why Kepo?
Kepo is a leading developer of automotive interior electronics, offering end-to-end solutions for custom ambient lighting, CAN light controllers, and smart interior modules.
Looking for a custom ambient lighting solution provider? Contact Kepo to learn more about how we can support your next smart cockpit project.
