Nissan has just released their new concept vehicle inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is a remote worker’s dream vehicle.
Even though the Tokyo 2021 Auto Salon isn’t happening this year thanks to the pandemic, Nissan has come out with a bold move by showing off one of their newest concept vehicles online since they cannot do it in Tokyo.[1]
The Nissan NV350 Caravan Office Pod has enough space and is outfitted in the back for what is essentially a remote work office cubicle.[2] With a comfortably modified chair by US furniture designer Herman Miller and enough desk space and head room for a large computer monitor, this Nissan concept uses a clean and ambient lighting style that makes working in the back of the vehicle feel natural. It even has electric shades so that you aren’t battling the natural light in order to see your computer monitor properly.
The “pod”, that is, the cubicle shell which you are working inside of, is designed so that with the push of a button, the back door opens, and the pod moves to extend out the back so that you are directly working in the outdoors. This means that you are given a much better indoor/outdoor flow and experience with a better view of your surroundings and great airflow while you work.[3] The pod is completely usable with enough space inside of the vehicle without extending the pod out the back, so remote workers can choose whether they make the most of the outdoors and sunshine or if they want to keep the doors closed and work inside with a bit more privacy.
The flooring inside of the pod is also made of a polycarbonate material, making it transparent so that you can see the real ground underneath the vehicle, thus making the space feel larger and giving workers a greater sense of being outside and not stuck in a cubicle.
Work breaks are also taken into consideration with the design of this camper, with the roof of the vehicle being specifically designed for a sun chair and side table to be put on top for some relaxation, like a mini balcony, so a worker can take a break comfortably under the camper van’s parasol with a better view.[4]
The concept van comes with its own coffee maker, showing that Nissan is anticipating all of the needs of the average remote worker. The coffee maker is powered by the vehicle’s own inverter, supplying fresh coffee for the entire workday.
The designers of this vehicle have even included a strong UV light in the glovebox compartment as a means for sanitizing any item in response to the coronavirus pandemic so that working professionals who are travelling outside of the house can stay safe without as much fear of being outside during a global pandemic.
With exterior modifications and tyres specifically for off-road travelling, anyone who gets their hands on this piece of equipment will be able to drive out into nature, literally pull their office out of the back of their camper and get to work while soaking in the great outdoors.
[1] Road/Show by CNET, “Nissan shows how to work from home in style with Office Pod concept”, https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/nissan-work-from-home-office-pod-concept/
[2] Tech Times, “Watch: Nissan Caravan Office Pod Revolutionizes Remote Working with Features From a Built-in Coffee Station to a Rooftop Deck”, https://www.techtimes.com/articles/256054/20210118/nissan-reveals-cool-concept-for-remote-working-introducing-the-nissan-caravan-office-pod.htm
[3] Business Insider, “Nissan combined a camper van with an office pod for the ultimate remote work setup in a concept — see inside”, https://www.businessinsider.com/nissan-unveiled-a-concept-office-pod-inside-of-a-van-2021-1?r=MX&IR=T#this-flooring-is-transparent-providing-views-of-nature-below-the-digital-nomads-feet-according-to-a-report-by-new-atlas-11
[4] Interesting Engineering, “Nissan’s New Pod Concept Turns Remote Working into a Dream”. https://interestingengineering.com/nissans-new-pod-concept-turns-remote-working-into-a-dream
