SHARP has moved up a gear in its bid to infiltrate the car market – with an electric vehicle that features its own giant TV and the “ultimate in luxury”.
The electronics giant officially entered the EV market in September 2024 with its first concept car, the LDK+.
Part car, part van – and part motorhome – the updated version will be unveiled this week at the Japan Mobility Show.
With a 65-inch TV screen and workspaces, the LDK+ is being marketed as “an extension of the living room” – and the ultimate luxury for anyone WFH while on the move.
It also comes with all mod cons.
These include AI-based programmes, developed in-house at Sharp, that control the air conditioning and lighting suite.
Elsewhere, the sustainably designed rear seats rotate to face backwards.
When the door is closed, liquid crystal shutters on both sides of the vehicle also close to create a cosy, “snuggle-friendly” space – complete with a table and bench seats.
All this hi-tech is powered by storage batteries under the van and roof-mounted solar cells – which can connect to your house and offers bi-directional charging.
It’s fair to say, this is not your average car.
Advanced AI technology
In a statement, a spokesperson for Sharp said the new iteration of the LDK+ utilises the company’s AI technology.
This, the spokesperson added, would allow Sharp to propose “a new future for mobility that enables comfortable and sustainable lifestyles by connecting EVs with living spaces and energy devices”.
They added: “The second iteration of LDK+ retains the original concept while featuring both high manoeuvrability with its compact body and a spacious, relaxing interior.
“Developed based on the ‘Model A’ EV by Hon Hai Technology Group, this compact minivan model offers an expansive cabin layout.
“When parked, the vehicle can be used as a theatre room or a remote workspace.
“A console box equipped with a table and projector is placed between the driver’s and passenger’s seats.
“By swiveling the driver’s seat to face backward, it creates a living room-like atmosphere where you can sit around with the rear seats.
“Pulling down the screen installed above the rear seats allows you to enjoy movies or conduct online meetings on a large display.
“Through Sharp’s AIoT platform, which connects AI and home appliances, the vehicle links with household devices such as kitchen appliances, air conditioning, and laundry systems.”
Tech learns residents’ lifestyles
The spokesperson said the advanced AI technology “learns residents’ lifestyles and preferences, creating personalized new ways of living.
“In addition, the system can connect with V2H (Vehicle to Home) solutions, enabling efficient energy management by integrating solar power generation and residential storage batteries.”
The Japan Mobility Show is one of the country’s largest mobility events.
It will be held in Tokyo this year from Thursday October 30 to Sunday November 9.
The price of the vehicle has not been announced. It is also not yet known if the vehicle will be for sale in Europe.
Did you know …
Rachel Reeves is looking at Electric Vehicle drivers paying their fair share of tax in a Budget revenue-raiser, writes Ryan Sabey, our Deputy Political Editor.
Treasury officials have drawn up several proposals such as levies on the weight of the car or a pay-per-mile system.
Any new surcharge will be an extra cost for the 1.3 million drivers who currently have an electric car out of 40 million road users.
The issue is being considered as EV drivers don’t pay fuel duty but still contribute to congestion and wear and tear on the roads.
It’s understood that the Treasury are keen to ensure all drivers pay their fair share. No final decisions have been made.
Only since April have EV drivers paid Vehicle Excise Duty – road tax – which is £195 for a standard car every year.
The average petrol and diesel driver pays around £480 a year in fuel duty with Ministers believing the imbalance needs to be addressed.
The fuel duty helps pay for public services including schools, hospitals and filling potholes.
The Chancellor is currently staring at a £30 billion financial black hole at her Budget at the end of the next month.
She has said that tax rises and spending cuts are on the agenda as she looks to plug the gap in the nation’s finances.
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