Long road trips can be uncomfortable, especially when there’s no easy place to stop for a bathroom break. To solve this problem, Chinese engineers are developing a car toilet that can be built directly into electric vehicles.
Seres, a company focused on high-end electric cars and smart technology, has received a patent for an in-vehicle toilet system. This car toilet is designed to slide out from under a passenger seat, making it easy to use during long drives, camping trips, or when staying inside the vehicle for extended periods.
The system is designed for convenience. Drivers or passengers can activate the car toilet either by pressing a button or using voice commands. When not in use, it stays hidden under the seat, saving space and keeping the interior neat.
To manage odor, the toilet includes a ventilation system with a fan and exhaust pipe that pushes smells outside the vehicle. Waste is stored in a tank that needs to be emptied manually. There is also a heating element that helps evaporate liquid waste and dry solid waste, improving cleanliness and reducing odor.
Although this idea may sound unusual, it is not entirely new. Similar concepts have appeared in luxury vehicles before, such as a vintage limousine that included a built-in toilet system for high-end travelers.
So far, Seres has not confirmed when—or if—cars with this feature will be available to the public. However, as the electric vehicle market continues to grow and innovate, features like the car toilet could become more common in the future.