Sharp is pushing deeper into automotive territory with an electric minivan concept that connects to household appliances, marking the Japanese electronics maker’s latest attempt to extend its brand beyond traditional consumer products. The company will showcase the second iteration of its LDK+ concept at the Japan Mobility Show opening October 30 in Tokyo.
Built on parent company Foxconn’s Model A platform, the compact minivan features a cabin designed around stationary use rather than driving. The driver’s seat rotates backward to face a projector and retractable screen mounted above the rear bench, with a center console table creating what Sharp characterizes as a mobile living room or workspace.
The concept integrates Sharp’s CE-LLM artificial intelligence to link with home devices including refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines. The system learns user habits and connects to vehicle-to-home charging solutions that tie into residential solar panels and battery storage—layering connectivity features atop basic transportation.
Foxconn announced plans in April to launch electric vehicles beginning in 2027, positioning itself as a contract manufacturer rather than a standalone brand. Sharp first revealed the LDK+ concept in September 2024. The company acknowledges that some functions shown in the current prototype are mock-ups rather than working systems.
Whether consumers want their cars talking to their toasters remains an open question, as does Sharp’s ability to compete in an increasingly crowded EV market dominated by established automakers and well-funded startups.
