Sharp's Concept EV to be "Extended Living Room"

­Sharp has simultaneously become the latest consumer electronics giant to delve into the automotive world and pushed us ever closer to our mythical, sci-fi future of transportation.

The Japanese goliath describes its LDK+ concept car as an “extended living room” – which is curious, because there’s no indication that this is an autonomous or self-driving vehicle, despite what the marketing would suggest.

When the EV’s doors close, its rear seats rotate backwards, and the liquid crystal shutters on both side windows close, creating an environment that very much resembles a living room, complete with a 65V display and AI that – somewhat disturbingly – learns from your home appliances what your preferred air conditioning and brightness levels are.

Sharp claims their EV “focuses on the time the vehicle is stationary,” so…for glamping? But given its goal to recreate the living room, just using it as a tiny mobile home seems unimaginative.

A setup like this would seemingly be a perfect fit for autonomous systems, providing the passengers – including all occupants – with entertainment for their commute.

Perhaps the LDK+ will be adapted in the future for self-driving vehicles?

“Utilizing our proprietary AI technology "CE-LLM," AIoT technology, sensing technology and other technologies, we will propose a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle that connects EVs with ‘living spaces, people and energy,’” notes Sharp.