Chinese carmaker patents voice-controlled ‘in-vehicle loo’

Chinese carmaker Seres has been granted a patent for an “in-vehicle toilet” that slides under a passenger seat, intended for use on long journeys or while camping, reports said.

The patent, filed in China on April 10, describes a voice-activated system that emerges from beneath the seat. To manage hygiene, the loo includes a fan and exhaust pipe to remove odours, alongside a heating element that evaporates urine and dries solid waste. The waste is stored in a tank for manual disposal.

While unconventional, the move reflects the intense competition in the Chinese electric vehicle market. Manufacturers are increasingly adding luxury or niche features, such as massage seats and built-in fridges, to attract buyers. Seres, which also owns the Aito brand, specialising in electric SUVs, is one of the few profitable players in a market dominated by giants like BYD. Analysts warn other firms face collapse due to a saturated market and aggressive price wars. 

Although in-car toilets are rare, they have historical precedence; a 1950s Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith once included a toilet under the seat. It remains uncertain if Seres will bring this concept to mass production for its international or domestic markets.