A new generation of LED front lighting systems make their world debut on the Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle.

LEDs (light-emitting diodes) have been touted as a more efficient lighting option than incandescent and compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), and aside from a few architectural innovations, their use has been limited to home and office applications.

But, thanks to LED manufacturer Valeo and its partner in Japan, Ichikoh, this super-efficient lighting option may be soon be finding its way into a garage near you.

Engineers from these two companies have designed a cost-effective LED-based headlight that combines enhanced illumination even in early morning and evening hours.

This low beam module is the first on the market with efficient power consumption as low as 50W per vehicle, using only 2 LED per headlamp. The 2 LED-based design is said to save 30 percent more energy than the best 3 LED-based headlamps currently on the market (70W).

The lights' collector and reflector are combined as a single thermoplastic part with no lens,  providing Leaf drivers with a more distinctive look as they hum down the highway.

The new head lights premiered as part of the most recent Nissan Leaf model year, and although they offer a brighter light color on the road and a longer life span, they're not likely to increase the car's price tag, which is one of the lowest in the electric vehicle industry.

Image Credit: Flickr - cliff1066