A Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer has patented a voice-activated toilet that slides out from underneath a passenger seat.
Chongqing-based Seres received approval earlier this month for the unusual “in-vehicle toilet” design after filing the application in April 2025 under patent number CN224104011U. The system deploys either by manually pushing the seat back or through a simple voice command.
Once in place, it uses a removable waste tank with a rotating heating element to evaporate urine and dry solid waste, plus an exhaust fan and pipe to control odors. The entire unit tucks neatly away under the seat when not needed.
Patent documents state the feature is meant to “satisfy users’ toilet needs on long journeys, while camping or while staying in the car.” Seres engineers designed it for convenience during extended road trips or situations where rest stops are unavailable, especially useful in electric vehicles where drivers may want to minimize stops to preserve range. The company has not announced any plans to install the toilet in production models, and no current Seres or AITO-branded vehicle includes the feature.
The patent has drawn attention online as automakers in China’s competitive EV market explore creative ways to make long-distance travel and outdoor adventures more practical. Seres, known for its partnership with Huawei on the premium AITO luxury electric SUV lineup, has rapidly grown as one of China’s fastest-expanding EV brands by focusing on intelligent and user-friendly technology.
A leading automotive news outlet shared details of the patent filing on Instagram:
While the concept remains in the patent stage, it highlights how Chinese manufacturers continue to push boundaries on in-cabin comfort and convenience features.
It's voice activated
It's voice activated
