Just like it says on the tine: TV brand SHARP is following Sony into the automotive space with the new LDK+ concept that transforms into a mobile movie theater. It’s a type of concept we’ve seen before – but not like this!
The SHARP LDK+ promises to be a Living room, a Dining room, and a Kitchen on wheels – and more (the plus, obviously), building off the decidedly more blobular™ concept first shown back in 2024. This updated version, however, takes the LDK concept and brings it significantly closer to reality by basing it on Foxconn’s “Model A EV by Hon Hai Technology Group” chassis.
And, now that it’s a little bit closer to some kind of reality, it might be time to climb on the SHARP hype train and take a minute to genuinely enjoy the movie/gaming environment the company is promising to deliver with the LDK+ concept.
Get hyped, kids
SHARP LDK interior, by the Yomiuri Shimbun; via The Japan News.
Not to be overly crude here, but if you roll in a van with a sliding projector table, opaque windows, and fully reclining seats, you probably hit the “family planning” section of your local Walgreens on a regular basis. Similarly, as more and more young people find themselves struggling to afford their own space, offering a vehicle that delivers a little privacy. And even if that’s more Netflix than chill, I think it’s bound to find a few buyers.
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Whether I’m right or wrong about that will remain to be seen for a while, however. The official press release is light on specs, offering the following description of the LDK+ concept …
The second iteration of “LDK+” retains the original concept while featuring both high maneuverability with its compact body and a spacious, relaxing interior. Developed based on the“Model A” EV by Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), this compact minivan model offers an expansive cabin layout.
When parked, the vehicle can be used as a theater room or a remote workspace. A console box equipped with a table and projector is placed between the driver’s and passenger’s seats. By swiveling the driver’s seat to face backward, it creates a living room-like atmosphere where you can sit around with the rear seats. Pulling down the screen installed above the rear seats allows you to enjoy movies or conduct online meetings on a large display. Through Sharp’s AIoT platform, which connects AI and home appliances, the vehicle links with household devices such as kitchen appliances, air conditioning, and laundry systems. The AI learns residents’ lifestyles and preferences, creating personalized new ways of living. In addition, the system can connect with V2H (Vehicle to Home) solutions, enabling efficient energy management by integrating solar power generation and residential storage batteries.
SHARP
… but skipping automotive basics like battery capacity, anticipated driving range, and the usual horsepower and torque figures. Pricing and, perhaps most importantly, when the vehicle might see the light of day weren’t revealed, either.
SHARP LDK+ concept
All of which is to say: they’re probably never going to actually build something like this – and that’s too bad, because a new-age Honda Element/Nissan Cube-style boxy little EV would absolutely sell like hotcakes.
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Tenways launches new Wayfarer e-bike with 85-mile range, Apple Find My, and $577 savings at $1,899
Running alongside its ongoing Early Black Friday Sale, Tenways has launched its Wayfarer e-bike that comes with $277 in FREE gear at $1,899 shipped, after using the on-page code EARLYBIRD300 at checkout. This new model will go for $2,199 at full price once these launch savings end, which is getting a significant $300 markdown that sets the bar for future discounts, while also getting $277 in FREE add-on gear. That gear includes mudguards, a kickstand, and a rear cargo rack to bring some extra versatility. As always with this brand, folks who are medical providers, military, first responders, students, or teachers can receive an extra $100 discounts upon verification.
Whereas Tenways is known for its throttle-less commuters that have smaller motor and battery combos that add to their lightweight designs, the brand’s Wayfarer e-bike is flipping the script as it not only comes with a throttle, but also a larger Bafang 500W rear hub motor (peaking at 750W) powered by a 720Wh battery. This pairing gives you up to 85 miles of pedal-assisted support (with a torque sensor) and up to 35 miles of throttle-led full electric power, maxing out at either 20 or 28 MPH (depending on your local laws).
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Among its features, you’ll find hydraulic disc brakes with power cut-off, Kenda EPS all-terrain puncture-resistant tires, an 8-speed Shimano derailleur, an LED headlight, a brake-activated taillight with turn signaling, a TFT LCD screen for setting adjustments, and more. We’re even seeing some app-based support come in the form of a live dashboard for settings and performance, navigation services, and even Apple Find My integration so you always know where it is. You can learn even more in our original launch coverage.
Score an exclusive $1,750 savings on Jackery’s Explorer 3000 V2 solar bundle with 2x 200W panels at a new $1,249 low
We’ve secured an exclusive deal on the Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 (HomePower 3000) Portable Power Station bundled with two 200W solar panels at $1,249 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5BFJACK at checkout. This solar-expanded package usually goes for $2,999 in full, which we’ve seen regularly keeping down at $1,599 since mid-September, and has only gone as low as $1,499 up until today. It’s starting off with an initial price cut to that $1,499 rate that we only saw once before during Prime Day, with the exclusive bonus savings taking things lower than ever with a combined $1,750 markdown to a new all-time low price.
For the rest of the day, save $325 on Anker’s black SOLIX C1000X Gen 2 power station at $475
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the very first discount we’ve spotted on the Anker SOLIX C1000X Gen 2 Portable Power Station to $474.99 shipped. Normally going for $800 at full price, this is the first time we’ve seen discounts on this black colorway, as opposed to the standard grey colorway that is sold direct from the brand (currently $449), Amazon (currently $450), and other retailers. For the rest of the day only, you can pick it up with a $325 markdown off the going rate. Keep in mind that this is identical to the standard grey model we’ve seen go as low as $379, and is only notable for folks who would prefer the darker color. You can also browse the newer SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 power station launch deals here.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
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In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Tesla’s ‘flying’ Roadster, Elon’s pay package, new EVs unveiled at Japan’s mobility show, and more.
As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.
After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:
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We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.
Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:
Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET:
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Just in time for next week’s SEMA show in Las Vegas, Brian Kim Designs has dressed up the all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 in a wild concept body with wings, flared fenders, wild colors, and a whole lot more – perfect for Halloween!
Based on the ultra-high performance Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, Brian Kim Designs’ IONIQ EVO concept considers one of the directions high-performance electric vehicles could take as the tuner cars of the future, and explores (what Kim calls) the, “untapped potential of EVs” in the broader aftermarket and customization space.
The colors, too – in a high-energy matte finish, were carefully chose to set help the IONIQ EVO apart from its more pedestrian cousins. You can take a look, below:
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The Kim-designed aerodynamics-enhancing concept also incorporates fin-type side skirt trims, a deep chin splitter, and outlet designs that extract dirty air generated by the wheels. A massive, roof-mounted spoiler with full-length aero fin for enhanced stability at triple digit speeds is, of course, also included.
Of course, all the spoilers in the world won’t make a car faster. For that, you need power – but it’s not quite as easy to get “more” power out of an electric motors as it can be from an ICE. Luckily, the IONIQ 5 N has power and torque to spare. That means that the best way to improve performance isn’t necessarily having more horsepower, but having fewer lbs. for each of the car’s horses to pull aruond.
Kim’s website calls the IONIQ EVO exterior design, “an in-house customization concept by Hyundai Motor Company.” Here’s hoping the two get to collaborate again, soon.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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