• Onboard concept designed to improve passenger comfort on long trips
• Concealed smart system integrates seamlessly within vehicle interior

Chinese automaker Seres has been granted a patent for a new in-vehicle system featuring a built-in toilet that can be deployed from beneath the passenger seat, designed for use during long journeys, camping trips, or when staying inside the vehicle.

According to the patent document submitted in China on April 10, engineers said the innovation aims to meet passengers’ needs during extended travel without requiring frequent stops.

The system operates through a smart sliding mechanism activated either by a button or voice commands, allowing the toilet to extend from under the seat when needed and retract completely when not in use, maximizing interior space efficiency.

The design also includes a ventilation fan and exhaust pipe to remove odors from the vehicle, along with a waste tank that must be emptied manually and a heating element that helps dry waste and reduce moisture.

Despite the patent filing, the company has not yet announced any vehicle models featuring the system, and it remains unclear whether it will reach commercial production.

The development comes amid intense competition in China’s electric vehicle market, where manufacturers are increasingly adding unconventional features such as massage seats, karaoke systems, and built-in refrigerators to attract consumers.

Seres, based in Chongqing, is known for producing sport utility vehicles and has expanded its presence across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa as part of the rapidly growing global EV industry.