Seres Patents In-Vehicle Toilet for EVs

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Seres has secured a patent for an innovative in-vehicle toilet system designed to address passengers' needs during extended travel. The patent, filed on April 10 and approved earlier this month by China's National Intellectual Property Administration, describes a compact unit integrated into the cabin of passenger cars, particularly suited for electric vehicles.

The system is concealed beneath the front passenger seat during normal operation, preserving space for seating and cargo. Activation occurs via voice command, such as "start up toilet function," or by pressing a button, prompting the unit to slide out on rails into a usable position. Engineers detailed in the filing that the design aims to meet users' bathroom requirements on long journeys, during camping trips, or while residing in the vehicle. To handle odors, it incorporates a fan and exhaust pipe that direct airflow out of the cabin. Waste collects in a storage tank that requires manual emptying, while a rotating heating element evaporates urine and dries solid waste to enhance hygiene and reduce moisture.

Seres, based in Chongqing, specializes in high-end electric SUVs and...