Chinese Carmaker Patents Voice-Controlled In-Car Toilet

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Seres has patented a built-in toilet designed for use inside a car, potentially offering a new level of convenience for long-distance travel. Documents filed with China’s intellectual property office describe an “in-vehicle toilet” that can slide out from beneath a passenger seat and be activated either by pressing a button or by voice command, according to reporting by the BBC.

The system is designed with several features intended to manage waste and odors. It includes a ventilation fan and an exhaust pipe to direct smells outside the vehicle. Waste is stored in a tank that would need to be emptied manually. The design also incorporates a heating element meant to evaporate urine and dry solid waste.

According to the patent filing, the feature is intended to help meet drivers’ bathroom needs during long trips, while camping, or when people are staying overnight in their vehicles.

Seres has not indicated whether the toilet system will be included in any upcoming production models. The concept arrives as Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers compete intensely in a crowded market, often adding unusual amenities to stand out. Some vehicles already offer built-in refrigerators, karaoke systems, and massage seats.

Although Seres primarily sells vehicles in China, the company has expanded its reach into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It is also among the relatively small number of Chinese electric vehicle companies currently operating at a profit, in a sector where analysts say many companies may eventually merge or disappear.

While toilets are common in recreational vehicles and long-distance buses, they are rarely found in standard passenger cars. However, the idea has appeared before. In the 1950s, New Jersey businessman Joseph J. Mascuch had a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith customized to include a gold-plated toilet that could also be used as a champagne cooler.

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