This project presents a complete prototype of a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) charging system designed to enable flexible, low-cost access to energy without requiring fixed infrastructure or battery swapping.
The system allows users to start and pay for charging sessions via mobile payment and messaging platforms (e.g. WhatsApp). Once a payment is completed, the backend authorizes the charging process, and the connected hardware enables power delivery accordingly.
This repository contains all components required to understand and reproduce the system:
- Backend (Flask API) for payment validation, session control, and charger communication
- Hardware firmware (MicroPython) for device-side control and communication
- CAD files for the physical enclosure of the charging unit
- System architecture and workflow logic for end-to-end PAYGO operation
The solution focuses on simplicity, scalability, and affordability, making it suitable for environments where traditional charging infrastructure is not feasible.
- Pay-As-You-Go charging (no subscription required)
- Mobile payment integration (e.g. M-Pesa)
- Remote session activation via messaging platforms
- Low hardware complexity and cost
- No fixed infrastructure required
- Scalable and adaptable system design
This prototype demonstrates a practical alternative to battery swapping and conventional charging systems, with the goal of improving accessibility to energy through a flexible PAYGO model.
Fully functional prototype including hardware, backend, and enclosure design.
