Chinese carmaker patents voice-controlled 'in-vehicle toilet'

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Seres has secured a patent in China for a voice-controlled, in-vehicle toilet designed to slide out from beneath a passenger seat. The innovation aims to address the needs of travelers on long journeys, camping trips, or those spending extended periods inside their vehicles. The toilet system includes features such as a fan and exhaust pipe to manage odors, a waste tank requiring manual emptying, and a rotating heating element to evaporate urine and dry other waste. When not in use, the toilet remains hidden under the seat, optimizing interior space without compromising comfort. The patent filing highlights Seres’ efforts to differentiate its electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in a highly competitive and saturated Chinese EV market. Chinese automakers have increasingly incorporated unconventional features like built-in massage seats, karaoke systems, and refrigerators to attract buyers. While in-vehicle toilets are rare and typically found only in long-distance coaches, the concept is not entirely new; luxury cars such as a 1950s Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith once featured similar amenities. However, Seres has yet to announce plans to include this toilet system in any production models. Seres, headquartered in Chongqing, primarily sells its vehicles in mainland China but has also expanded into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The Chinese EV market faces intense competition and price wars that have eroded profits for many companies. Despite this, Seres is among the few Chinese EV manufacturers, alongside industry leader BYD, to maintain profitability. The company’s patent for an in-vehicle toilet underscores ongoing innovation efforts as firms seek new ways to capture consumer interest and sustain growth amid challenging market conditions.