Sharp Corporation has officially announced its entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market, setting its sights on developing an EV in the near future. The Japanese electronics giant made this revelation on September 6 during a briefing ahead of its Sharp Tech-Day ’24 Innovation Showcase, slated to begin on September 17.
To kickstart its foray into the EV arena, Sharp plans to leverage the advanced EV platform owned by its parent company, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., also known as Foxconn. This strategic move is poised to position Sharp as a formidable player in the rapidly growing electric vehicle sector.
During the briefing, the company unveiled its concept model named LDK+, which will be showcased at the two-day exhibition at Tokyo International Forum. The LDK+ is not just any electric vehicle; it integrates cutting-edge AIoT technology—a synergy of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
One of the standout features of the LDK+ is its incorporation of solar cells and storage batteries, enhancing its sustainability and energy efficiency. Furthermore, the vehicle’s sophisticated AI system extends its utility beyond transportation. Remarkably, the built-in AI can manage the homeowner’s electricity consumption, making the EV a central hub for energy management.
Sharp’s innovative approach extends to the interior design of the LDK+ as well. The rear of the vehicle is equipped with a large LCD screen, and the back seats can rotate, transforming the car into a mobile theater room. This unique feature underscores Sharp’s vision of the vehicle as a versatile living space, rather than merely a mode of transport.
Mototaka Taneya, Sharp’s Senior Managing Executive Officer, emphasized this innovative concept during the briefing, stating, “The EV is considered a room, and the ‘LDK+’ is meant to create value even when the vehicle is not in motion.”
With the LDK+ concept, Sharp is set to redefine the utility and functionality of electric vehicles, potentially setting new trends in the industry. As the company rolls out more details and developments, the tech world will be watching closely to see how Sharp’s entry into the EV market unfolds.