Chinese Automaker Patents Voice-Activated In-Car Toilet Concept
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Seres has secured a patent for an unusual feature – an integrated toilet system designed for use inside a car.
According to patent documents filed in China on April 10, the concept involves a compact toilet that can slide out from beneath a passenger seat, either at the push of a button or through voice commands. The company says the idea is aimed at improving comfort during long trips, camping experiences, or extended periods spent inside a vehicle.
While the design has been approved at the patent level, Seres has not confirmed whether it plans to include the feature in any upcoming models.
The proposed system includes ventilation components such as a fan and exhaust pipe to manage odours. Waste would be stored in a dedicated tank that requires manual disposal, while a built-in heating mechanism is designed to dry solid waste and evaporate liquid waste.
When not in use, the unit remains hidden beneath the seat, preserving cabin space and maintaining a standard interior layout.
The concept reflects a broader trend in China’s highly competitive EV market, where manufacturers are introducing unconventional features – ranging from massage seating to in-car entertainment systems – to differentiate their offerings.
Though rare in passenger vehicles, in-car toilets are not entirely new. A modified version of the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith from the 1950s reportedly included a similar feature, alongside early in-car entertainment technology.
Seres, which operates alongside its Aito brand, primarily produces electric SUVs and has expanded beyond China into markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It is also among a small group of Chinese EV makers – alongside companies like BYD – that have managed to remain profitable despite intense competition and price pressures in the sector.
