Energy saving headlight bulbs are same wattage?!

[BTB 500]

I see Philips are now pushing "EcoVision" headlamp bulbs:

http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/en/gb/consumer/cc/_categoryid_cat320012/

Interesting statistic on their website ... to provide 100W for 100 km uses 0.13 litres of fuel.

Does anyone want to suggest how these bulbs use less power as claimed, when they are the same wattage as standard bubs?!

http://www.consumer.philips.com/con...B_CONSUMER/Automotive-headlight-lamp+12342ECO

(60W main beam, 55W dipped)

 

[Will]

Ermm - good question.

I'd understand it if they said that they consume less energy for the amount of light output - ie brighter but using the same amount of power.

But to me, 55W is 55W - whether that's from an OEM bulb or a fancy Philips one. Unless it's something to do with the startup current?

Longer bulb life could potentially be more 'eco-friendly', provided that there isn't too much of an offset with the manufacturing process.

Doesn't really explain the statistical claims very well, does it?

Will

 

[SilverSaloon]

sounds to me as if they are cashing in on the 'everyone is thinking how they can save money'.....

 

[Shude]

HID lamps use less power than regular halogens. I'm saving the environment every time I use them...

 

[BTB 500]

I just worked out that having the headlights on used an extra 1.5 litres of fuel on my recent drive back from the south of Germany!

 

[Ted]

Let me get this right.
With a saving of 10% energy on normal bulbs, and them costing at a guess £10 each, counting on my fingers gives a payback time of approx 100,000 km?

Not for me then.

 

[fuzzer]

I just worked out that having the headlights on used an extra 1.5 litres of fuel on my recent drive back from the south of Germany!

but the safety aspect of driving with dipped headlights all the time on far outweighs any cost or environmental argument.

 

[st4]

but the safety aspect of driving with dipped headlights all the time on far outweighs any cost or environmental argument.

And for the sake of £1.50odd.

 

[BTB 500]

but the safety aspect of driving with dipped headlights all the time on far outweighs any cost or environmental argument.

Particularly as it was at night ...