Customizing cars is a trend that isn’t slowing down, and Tesla owners are no exception.
A California-based startup has come up with a rather surprising idea: integrating an LED screen into the front bumper to display animations, logos, or even advertisements. An innovation that promises to transform the look of EV… but also to spark debate over its usefulness.
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A fully customizable digital bumper
The concept is based on a wide LED screen embedded in the front bumper of the Tesla Model Y (previous version) and, soon, other electric vehicles. This device allows owners to display whatever they want—fake grilles imitating prestigious brands like Ferrari or Bugatti, personal messages, or even animated videos. The installation is controlled via a mobile app, offering endless possibilities for creativity or promoting a message.
The idea isn’t entirely new. Some automakers have already experimented with screens on the front of their concept cars, and in China, a GM electric model features a screen at the rear. But EVision is the first company to bring this concept to the aftermarket, targeting Tesla owners and potentially other models. Admit it, the concept is pretty amusing—a Tesla with a Rolls-Royce or Bugatti grille? No one had thought of that!
An expensive but profitable investment?
Priced between $2,500 and $3,000, this LED screen isn’t cheap. However, it could attract a specific audience, especially businesses and ride-share drivers looking to make their investment profitable through advertising. Imagine an Uber displaying real-time promotional ads or a fleet of taxis using this technology to communicate with pedestrians. On paper, the idea is promising, especially in an era where communication is a top priority for any business.
Beyond marketing, this screen could also allow drivers to display useful messages, such as hazard alerts or service indications for autonomous cars. But the real question is whether such technology will be well received by other road users, who might find it distracting or even annoying. After all, if using phones while driving is banned because they demand too much attention, an LED screen on a moving vehicle could have the same effect—catching drivers off guard in traffic.
A fragile LED screen exposed to road hazards?
While the idea of a digital bumper sounds great on paper, durability remains a big question mark. After all, as its name suggests, the bumper is meant to absorb impacts. Positioned at the front of the vehicle, this screen is highly exposed to road debris, insects, and harsh weather conditions—not to mention accidental bumps in everyday traffic. So far, EVision hasn’t specified whether its product has a protective coating to withstand daily wear and tear. Another concern is regulation. Some laws prohibit illuminated screens on moving vehicles to prevent distractions. Implementing this technology outside the U.S. could face legal restrictions.
This article explores how a startup aims to turn the front of Teslas into a customizable digital display. Whether seen as an innovative marketing tool or a controversial gadget, this technology raises questions about its real usefulness, cost, and durability on the road. The question remains: will electric car owners be ready to embrace this new feature?
Source & images: EVision auto
