Aito, a brand in collaboration with Seres and Huawei, has been granted an industrial design patent for an "in-car toilet". The patent application was filed on 22/4/2025 and approved on 10/4, as reported by Sanyan Tech.
The device primarily consists of a toilet and a slide rail assembly. When needed, the toilet can be pulled out from under the seat and pushed back for concealment after use, occupying minimal interior space.
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The toilet can be pulled out or hidden away. Photo: Seres |
The toilet can be pulled out or hidden away. Photo: Seres
This design's core innovation lies in its space utilization. Integrating a toilet without compromising passenger comfort presents a technical challenge, especially in confined vehicle interiors like new energy vehicles with chassis integrating battery packs.
This design approach is unprecedented in the industry. Previously, Rox Motor, another Chinese automaker, proposed an "on-board toilet" concept for its Polestones model. This included a toilet seat ring stored in a center storage compartment for use with disposable plastic bags, essentially a portable toilet storage solution. In comparison, Seres' design achieves higher integration and concealment, making it the most practical in-car toilet solution available today.
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Rox's "on-board toilet" design. Photo: Rox |
Rox's "on-board toilet" design. Photo: Rox
However, the path from patent to production faces significant hurdles, according to CarNewsChina. Technical challenges include: routing drainage pipes within a compact chassis, developing wastewater storage solutions, ensuring the durability of the slide rails, and achieving absolute sealing to prevent odors. The odor prevention is particularly challenging for pure electric vehicles, where battery packs occupy a large portion of the chassis space.
Psychological acceptance presents an even greater difficulty. Despite lid sealing and deodorization measures, many users may still face a psychological barrier to using a toilet inside a car.
Mass production remains uncertain, but the design is expected to be offered as a personalized optional configuration.
Aito, founded in 12/2021, delivered over 420,000 vehicles in 2025, becoming China's best-selling luxury car brand. The company aims to complete production of 2 million vehicles within the next two years, following the launch of its one millionth vehicle on 13/1.
My Anh
