Sharp Unveils “LDK+” EV Concept: A Bold Move into New Territory
Sharp Electronics, a familiar name to office equipment resellers for its interactive displays, copiers, and collaboration technology, is stepping into an entirely new product category. At the SHARP Tech-Day’24 “Innovation Showcase” in Tokyo, Sharp revealed its electric vehicle (EV) concept model, “LDK+,” developed in collaboration with Foxconn and Followfly Inc.
Unlike any EV we know of, the “LDK+” combines a vehicle with living space. With rear seats that rotate to create a private space and a 65-inch display (no surprise there) in the back for entertainment or remote work, this EV is designed to be an “extended living room.” According Sharp, their AIoT technology integrates home appliances with the vehicle, enabling automatic adjustments for lighting, air conditioning, and communication with family members inside the house. Essentially, it becomes a small, usable room in your garage.
What’s the interest to office equipment resellers? Just as Sharp is diversifying into other product categories, many resellers are exploring new areas to offset the eventual (or current) slowing profitability of traditional print equipment sales. ACDI, known for its PaperCut print management software, launched an EV charging program several years ago, attracting some big names and partners across industries. Some office equipment resellers have embraced this shift, seeing EV charging stations as another opportunity to engage customers and add value to their portfolios.
While EVs and copiers may seem worlds apart, the approach to diversifying services is similar. I sat through a presentation at a CDA conference last year where a member discussed winning print contracts by simply having a different conversation with customers. The sale of a few EV charging stations created relationships that led to office equipment deals. And, with the U.S. government pouring billions into EV infrastructure, this is a growing sector that’s hard to ignore.
Back to Sharp. This is a concept vehicle and there is no timeline on if and when it will ever materialize. We will keep you posted.
Source: Industry Analysts Inc.
