Chinese Carmaker Seres Patents Voice-Controlled In-Vehicle Toilet for Long Journeys

Chinese carmaker Seres has been granted a patent for an 'in-vehicle toilet' that is designed to retract beneath a passenger's seat. The patent filing, dated 10 April in China, states the feature aims to "satisfy users' toilet needs on long journeys, while camping or while staying in the car."

While Seres, based in Chongqing, has not confirmed any production plans, the patent details a system that deploys via a push mechanism or voice command. According to the filing, the toilet includes a fan and exhaust pipe to manage odours and a rotating heating element to evaporate urine and dry other waste. Waste is collected in a tank requiring manual emptying. When not in use, the unit is concealed to maximise cabin space.

The integration of unconventional features, such as massage seats, karaoke systems, and refrigerators, has become common in Chinese electric vehicles as manufacturers compete in a crowded market. Seres, known for its electric sport utility vehicles and subsidiary brand Aito, has expanded sales beyond mainland China into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

China's electric vehicle sector faces significant saturation, leading to intense price competition that has eroded profit margins for many firms. Seres remains one of the few Chinese EV manufacturers, alongside global leader BYD, to maintain profitability amidst these challenging market conditions. Analysts have repeatedly warned of potential widespread insolvencies among Chinese EV companies.