Sharp Corp. unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV) prototype, “LDK+”, which is designed to resemble a living room on wheels. Developed in collaboration with Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. and Kyoto-based EV start-up Folofly, the futuristic model features a 65-inch screen in the back, enabling the car to transform into a private theater.
The seats are rotatable, adding to the feeling of a mobile living space. Sharp plans to launch the vehicle for sale within the next several years. According to Sharp’s development official, Toshihiko Osada, the aim is for customers to use the EV as both a personal office and a living space.
The prototype was showcased at Sharp’s tech fair in Tokyo, shortly after the company announced its official entry into the EV market in partnership with Hon Hai. This partnership leverages Hon Hai’s expertise in manufacturing electric vehicles, highlighting Sharp’s expansion into new business sectors.
Sharp’s move into the EV industry comes amid its efforts to rebuild its business— The company has struggled with losses in its liquid crystal display division, facing stiff competition from Chinese and South Korean manufacturers.
As part of its restructuring, Sharp announced plans in June to convert part of its Osaka factory, previously used for making large LCD panels, into one of the largest artificial intelligence data centers in Asia.
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