Gasgoo Munich- On July 28, FORVIA Hella announced it has kicked off mass production of a next-generation rain and light sensor tailored for a major Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker.
Image Credit: FORVIA Hella
As the electronics arm of the FORVIA group, FORVIA Hella brings deep technical expertise to the sensor game. Its rain sensors already hold a leading global position, but this latest iteration marks a significant leap in both functional integration and response sensitivity.
Designed as a compact module, the unit fuses multiple capabilities: rain monitoring, ambient light sensing, sun intensity detection, and windshield temperature and humidity tracking. Leveraging absolute measurement principles, it precisely detects even light precipitation and automatically adjusts wiper speed to guarantee optimal visibility in all conditions.
On the lighting front, the system monitors infrared light at the front and visible light on the roof to intelligently toggle low beams — effectively cutting down on glare during nighttime encounters.
Furthermore, the sensor measures sun intensity on both sides of the vehicle, supplying precise data for the climate control system's zone temperature regulation. It also continuously monitors glass conditions to prevent windshield fogging.
From an industry standpoint, rain and light sensors are evolving from mere comfort features into systematic components that enhance both safety and energy efficiency. While FORVIA Hella's previous generation already combined five functions — rain, light, solar radiation, humidity, and HUD visibility — this new model takes it further with optimized response agility and integration flexibility.
Capable of rapid response even to light drizzle, the sensor handles automatic adjustments to streamline the driving experience. Its compact footprint reduces spatial demands, offering OEMs greater flexibility in system integration.
