One of the so-called classic excuses in the Philippines when being apprehended by a traffic enforcer is that the driver has an upset stomach and needs to immediately use the toilet. However, don’t take our word for it, as this might just be a local myth. But, as random as it may seem, a Chinese automaker could have a solution for drivers who suddenly have abdominal discomfort while on the road.
China’s Seres Auto wants to take onboard comfortability on a next level as it managed to secure a patent for a hidden in-car toilet. The said patent, with authorization announcement number CN224104011U, was filed on April 22, 2025, and is currently valid, according to a report by Sanyan Tech.
Seres Auto’s in-car toilet consists of a toilet body and a sliding rail assembly. It is placed beneath the car seat, which allows it to be hidden when not in use. This orientation also serves as a space saver, considering the typical car cabin area, especially for subcompact vehicles or electric vehicles that have battery packs on the cabin floor.
The in-car toilet can be pulled out from under the seat through the railing system when needed. Once done, you can slide it back under the seat, which is said to occupy minimal interior space.
The brains behind the in-car toilet include Wang Pengcheng, Zheng Yaokai, Ye Xiaojun, Lin Zhenting, and Feng Tao, among others. The patent’s International Patent Classification (IPC) classification number is B60R15/04, and falls under the vehicle sanitary equipment.
The in-car toilet is not yet sure if it will reach the production phase, but it is reportedly expected to become an optional feature in future Seres Auto vehicles. The idea behind the in-car toilet is intriguing, but the question that’s lingering on our minds is how the disposal or drainage system will work.
Of note, Seres Auto manufactures Aito vehicles, and speaking of which, this Chinese car brand is already in the Philippines, offering the M9, M7, and M5. It has also expanded its presence in Metro Manila with the opening of the Aito BGC Experience Center, which is operated by QSJ Motors.
Autocar’s Take
Seres Auto’s in-car toilet is a quirky idea that could transform how we view a car interior. If it reached mass production, it could take cabin experience and comfort to a new level, as one could relieve themselves in the comfort of his or her own vehicle.
The in-car toilet could come in handy when you get stuck in gridlock Christmas traffic, or when you suddenly feel the call of nature when you’re cruising along the TPLEX. But then again, can your nose handle the smell it will emit when you relieve your upset stomach using the in-car toilet? When you ask me, I would rather wait for the next fuel station to do the deed. But, to each their own, so they say.
