Sharp Unveils First Electric Vehicle with Luxurious Cabin, Redefining Mobile Living

The Japanese brand is making a bold move into the electric vehicle (EV) market, leveraging its robust research and development capabilities alongside Foxconn’s large-scale manufacturing prowess. This partnership has culminated in the upgraded version of the Sharp LDK+ electric vehicle concept, set to debut at the Japan Mobility Show later this October.

Compared to last year’s prototype, the new Sharp LDK+ adopts a more production-ready design, shifting away from the cab-over style (where the driver’s cabin is positioned over the front axle) to a traditional minivan silhouette. This change strikes a better balance between the driver’s area and the passenger compartment.

The front fascia is characterized by a striking full-width LED light bar integrated into a sleek, closed grille adorned with the Sharp logo. The overall design embraces minimalism, accented by a two-tone paint scheme for enhanced brand recognition.

Practical features include sliding doors on both sides and a vertical rear end, maximizing interior space. The retention of conventional door handles and side mirrors hints at the concept’s proximity to a pre-production stage.

Sharp envisions the LDK+ interior as a “living room on wheels.” The flat floor and column-less design create a spacious cabin. The driver’s seat can swivel to face the rear, and when combined with the foldable center console table, it transforms into a family lounge area.

The rear seats are positioned further back, creating a dedicated relaxation zone, enhanced by warm-toned ambient lighting for a soothing atmosphere.

In this iteration, Sharp has replaced the previous 65-inch display with a retractable ceiling screen and a built-in projector, allowing passengers to instantly convert the cabin into a mini theater or a mobile workspace.

At the heart of the LDK+ is Sharp’s proprietary AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) platform, enabling seamless communication and synchronization with smart home devices like refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines.

This system not only allows remote control but also learns user habits, automatically adjusting temperature, lighting, and energy consumption. Notably, the LDK+ supports V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) technology, enabling it to supply power back to the household, integrating with solar energy and battery storage to become a true “mobile power source.”

The LDK+ is built upon Foxconn’s Model A platform, an electric minivan introduced last year. Foxconn positions the Model A as a versatile EV platform adaptable for various applications, from family use to commercial transportation.

While Sharp has not yet disclosed the LDK+’s technical specifications, speculation suggests it will share its powertrain and battery with the Model A. Foxconn plans to launch the commercial version of the Model A in Japan in early 2027, followed by expansion into ASEAN markets, where Sharp can leverage shared manufacturing infrastructure.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)