For decades, Sharp has been synonymous with home electronics, televisions, microwaves, and air purifiers. Cars? Not even close. But that’s changing. The Japanese tech company is moving beyond living rooms and kitchens, determined to extend its reputation for connected living into the automotive space. Partnering with Foxconn, Sharp is reimagining what a “smart vehicle” can be, and the latest version of its LDK+ electric minivan shows the idea taking real shape.
The updated concept, set to debut at the Japan Mobility Show later this month, represents a major evolution from the 2024 prototype. Where the earlier version looked like a futuristic shuttle, this new one looks much closer to a production vehicle, practical, grounded, and distinctly Sharp.
A More Realistic Design
The LDK+ now carries the stance of a true minivan rather than a cab-over concept. Up front, a full-width LED light strip spans a covered grille bearing the Sharp logo. It’s clean and modern, if not exactly flashy. Traditional door handles and mirrors replace the earlier camera-based systems, and sliding doors suggest that functionality has taken precedence over futuristic gimmicks.
The overall design may not stand out in a crowd, but it feels deliberate, the kind of restraint that hints at something you might actually see in a showroom within a couple of years.
Living Room on Wheels
Sharp’s vision for the LDK+ isn’t just about transport; it’s about transforming travel into an experience of comfort and connection. Inside, a flat floor and wide, pillarless doors make entry easy, while the driver’s seat swivels to face the rear, turning the front cabin into a lounge setup.
Between the seats sits a foldable table, perfect for work, dining, or conversation. A rear bench for three passengers is pushed slightly back, sacrificing cargo space for openness and comfort. Add ambient lighting and subtle material choices, and the cabin starts feeling less like a van and more like a compact studio apartment.
Tech That Syncs Home and Car
The massive 65-inch screen from last year’s prototype has been replaced by a projector and retractable screen, a more practical choice that lets passengers turn the space into a mobile theater or workspace.
But the real innovation lies in the tech ecosystem. The minivan runs on Sharp’s AIoT (Artificial Intelligence + Internet of Things) platform, allowing it to link with a user’s home devices from air conditioners and refrigerators to washing machines. The system learns user habits and preferences, syncing the vehicle’s environment with the one waiting at home.
The LDK+ also supports vehicle-to-home (V2H) power sharing, solar integration, and battery storage, turning the vehicle into part of an energy network rather than an isolated appliance.
Built on Foxconn’s EV Platform
Under the body, the LDK+ shares its base with Foxconn’s Model A, a modular EV platform unveiled last year. While technical specs like battery capacity and range remain undisclosed, the collaboration ensures a solid engineering backbone and a realistic path to production.
Foxconn’s own minivan is expected to launch in Japan by early 2027, followed by expansion across ASEAN markets. Sharp hasn’t confirmed its own release timeline yet, but its increasing involvement and the refined design of this latest concept signal that it’s serious about entering the EV market.
A Connected Future on Wheels
With the LDK+, Sharp isn’t just building a car; it’s testing a new lifestyle concept. The vehicle blurs the boundary between domestic life and mobility, merging the digital comfort of home with the freedom of the road.
If the final version delivers on its promise, Sharp’s first car could redefine “smart living” inside your house and everywhere you go.
