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Comment by MiguelRus | Hacker News Reader

An anecdote: I recently went to a conference where a senior member of Foster+Partners, the architecture firm close to Apple (the studio behind Apple's new HQ, many new stores), presented the design for an autonomous vehicle, which resembles more the "Apple minivan" concept that is being mentioned by the press, here is that part of the presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rUH63c1n0c&t=14m32s

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I think the minivan concept makes a lot of sense. The demographic that is likely to own a minivan is likely to have their own garage, which makes charging no hassle. A family with a minivan most likely has a second car they could use for long-distance driving, making range anxiety less of a problem. And they are likely to have the disposable income to invest in an electric car in the first place.

The size certainly makes sense, if driverless technology turns cars into mobile living rooms.

If you're not driving, the entire "sporty" side of the styling and image are out the window. Limos aren't "sporty" and no-one cares. They care that the limo is comfortable and luxurious.

Also, autonomous cars should be large enough to lie down in ;-)

I imagine Apple would be planning something closer to a taxi service. From that perspective a minivan makes a lot of sense because it is a common and versatile format for a cab.

I would add that an Airstream-like space is a lot closer to a good idea here than 'minivan.' In fact, you don't have to go too far back to see how much a few Apple people like that shape http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/null-n09...

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