# Chinese EV Maker Deepal Patents In-Car Foot Bath Technology Changan sub-brand explores luxury rear-seat spa features for future electric vehicles. - **Source:** [InsideEVs](https://insideevs.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7bd71bec-fa80-4e55-8e5b-8d18c145dc00 ## Luxury Rear Seat Innovation Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Deepal, a sub-brand of Changan, has filed a patent for an integrated rear-seat foot bath. This feature aims to surpass traditional luxury standards, such as the plush lambswool carpets found in Rolls-Royce vehicles, by offering passengers a functional spa experience while the car is in motion. ## Mechanical Design and Function The proposed system extends from beneath the front seats, allowing passengers to submerge their feet in a basin. The design includes integrated rollers for massage functionality and a heating element to maintain water temperature. This setup is intended to provide a high-end relaxation experience during long commutes or city traffic. ## Addressing Sloshing and Spills To prevent water from spilling during vehicle movement, the patent describes a specialized basin structure designed to block sloshing. It incorporates guide holes that allow water to recirculate into the bottom of the unit, effectively maintaining a low liquid level even when the car encounters bumps or makes sharp turns. ## Sanitation and Water Management The system includes a dedicated disinfection assembly to ensure water hygiene during use. Furthermore, the design features a quick-disconnect mechanism, allowing users to dispose of the water from the vehicle body efficiently. These components are critical for preventing potential issues like interior mold or unpleasant odors within the cabin. ## Cultural Context of Demand Foot baths are a popular wellness practice in China, which may explain the strategic interest in this technology. While Western luxury vehicles often focus on material quality like leather or wood, this innovation targets specific cultural preferences for relaxation, potentially positioning Deepal to capture a unique segment of the market. ## Production Feasibility and Uncertainty It remains unclear if this technology will reach mass production, as automakers frequently file patents to secure intellectual property for future concepts. The complexity of integrating plumbing and water management into a vehicle interior presents significant engineering challenges, making a commercial release uncertain despite the novelty of the proposed design. ## Risks of Interior Damage Practical concerns regarding the system include the risk of soaking carpets and damaging cabin materials. Without a clear solution for drying feet or managing moisture, the potential for interior mold remains a significant hurdle. The design must prove it can operate cleanly without compromising the vehicle's long-term interior integrity. ## Future of Cabin Comfort This patent highlights the ongoing trend of transforming vehicle cabins into mobile living spaces. As autonomous driving technologies advance, automakers are increasingly looking for ways to enhance passenger comfort beyond traditional seating. Whether this specific foot bath succeeds, it reflects a broader industry shift toward prioritizing interior passenger wellness. ## Sources covering this story - https://insideevs.com/news/814572/deepal-ev-foot-bath-patent/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._