Mercedes eVito Charging at Helen

Mercedes eVito Van Charger Will Not Start a Session

You have connected the charger to your Mercedes eVito and nothing is happening. No session, no power, no charging light. When you are between jobs or trying to charge at the depot, you need this resolved quickly. Here is how.

Symptoms

• CCS2 or Type 2 connector is plugged in but no session starts
• The MBUX display does not show charging activity
• The charger screen shows an error after plug-in
• The charge port indicator stays off or flashes amber
• The depot wallbox status light does not change when plugged in

What to Do

1. 1

   Authenticate before plugging in

   At public chargers, tap your RFID card or start the session in the app before inserting the connector. Wait for the charger to confirm it is ready.

2. 2

   Clean and reinsert the connector

   Remove the connector, wipe the charge port on the eVito with a dry cloth to remove any dirt, then reinsert the connector firmly until it clicks.

3. 3

   Check MBUX charging settings

   On the MBUX display, navigate to the charging menu. Check if departure time charging is active. Disable it for immediate charging.

4. 4

   Check the depot electrical panel

   If at the depot, check the circuit breaker for the charging circuit. Also check the wallbox status indicator. Report issues to your fleet manager.

5. 5

   Lock and unlock the van

   Use the key to lock the eVito, wait 20 seconds, then unlock. This can reset the charging electronics after a fault state.

6. 6

   Move to a different charger

   If the charger is faulty, do not waste time. Move to another unit or station, especially if you are mid-route.

Mercedes eVito Van Payment Failed at Charging Station

You are at a public charger with your Mercedes eVito and the payment will not go through. Whether it is a fleet card, personal RFID, or an app, payment failures at public chargers waste time between jobs. Here is how to resolve it fast.

Symptoms

• Fleet card does not start a session at the charger
• RFID card tap produces no response
• Charging app shows a payment authorization error
• Contactless bank card is declined
• Charger shows 'payment failed' on the screen

What to Do

1. 1

   Check accepted payment methods

   Look at the charger stickers and screen for accepted networks and cards. If your fleet card logo is not shown, this charger is not on your network.

2. 2

   Try a different payment method

   Switch between fleet card, personal RFID, charging app, and contactless bank card. One may work where others fail.

3. 3

   Verify fleet card status

   Contact your fleet manager or check the fleet card provider app to confirm the card is active and has not hit a spending limit.

4. 4

   Hold the card steadily

   Place the card flat against the reader for 3 seconds. Do not tap and pull away quickly. Gloves can interfere with NFC reading.

5. 5

   Cancel and retry

   Cancel any pending session in the app, wait 60 seconds, and start a fresh attempt.

6. 6

   Move to another charger unit

   If the payment reader on this unit is broken, try the next charger at the station. Do not waste time troubleshooting hardware you cannot fix.

Mercedes eVito Van Charging Slower Than Expected Speed

Your Mercedes eVito is charging slower than the 110 kW DC maximum. Or your depot wallbox is barely delivering power overnight. Without battery preconditioning, the eVito is especially sensitive to cold weather. Here is what to check and how to improve your charging speed.

Symptoms

• DC fast charging well below the 110 kW maximum
• Depot AC charging stuck at 3-4 kW instead of 11 kW
• Charging speed drops quickly after 40-50% state of charge
• Winter charging starts extremely slowly
• Mid-route DC charging takes too long between jobs

What to Do

1. 1

   Drive before charging in cold weather

   Since the eVito lacks preconditioning, drive for at least 20-30 minutes before stopping at a DC charger in winter. This warms the battery through use.

2. 2

   Charge between 20-50% for fastest speeds

   Plan your mid-route charging stops to arrive between 20-50% state of charge. This is where the eVito can approach its 110 kW peak.

3. 3

   Check your depot charger wiring

   Ask your fleet manager or electrician to verify the depot wallbox is wired for three-phase at 16A per phase for 11 kW. Single-phase installations are common but much slower.

4. 4

   Choose unshared DC chargers

   At public stations, check if the charger is sharing power. If another vehicle is on the paired connector, try a different unit.

5. 5

   Use MBUX to check charging status

   The MBUX infotainment system shows current charging power and estimated time. Use this to verify speeds and decide if you should move to a different charger.

6. 6

   Try a different charger

   If speeds remain well below expected at a low state of charge, the charger may be faulty. Move to another unit.

Charging section buried in the Helen app

The Helen app handles electricity contracts, energy consumption, and EV charging in one place. Finding the charging features can take a few taps if you are used to dedicated charging apps.

Symptoms

• You opened the Helen app but cannot find how to start a charging session
• The app shows your electricity bill but no charging options
• You found a station list but cannot figure out how to initiate charging
• The charging feature seems to disappear after app updates

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Look for the EV charging or e-mobility section

   In the Helen app, EV charging is usually under a dedicated menu item like 'Charging' or 'E-mobility.' It is not on the main dashboard with your electricity contract. Tap the menu icon and scroll through the options.

2. 2

   Make sure EV charging is activated on your Helen account

   If you are a Helen electricity customer, EV charging may need to be activated separately. Check your account settings or the Helen website. You may need to accept additional terms for the charging service.

3. 3

   Update the app to the latest version

   Helen occasionally reorganizes the app layout. If the charging section has moved after an update, check the main menu, bottom navigation, or any new tabs that appeared. The latest version will have the current layout.

4. 4

   Try the Helen Charging web portal as a backup

   If the app is giving you trouble, Helen also offers a web-based portal for starting sessions and viewing history. Search for 'Helen lataus' in your browser.

RFID card registration through your Helen energy account

To use an RFID card at Helen chargers, you need to register it through your Helen energy account. This is different from networks where you simply order a card and it works.

Symptoms

• You received a Helen RFID card but it does not start the charger
• Your third-party RFID card is not accepted at Helen stations
• The charger shows 'Card not recognized' when you tap
• You are not sure how to link your RFID card to your Helen account

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Register your RFID card in the Helen app or on helen.fi

   Log in to your Helen account (app or website) and navigate to the charging or RFID section. Enter the card number printed on your RFID card. The registration may take a few minutes to activate.

2. 2

   Wait 10 to 15 minutes after registration

   The card activation is not always instant. After registering, wait at least 10 minutes before trying the card at a charger. If it still does not work after 30 minutes, contact Helen support.

3. 3

   Check if your RFID card is from a compatible roaming network

   Helen accepts some third-party RFID cards through roaming agreements, but not all. Cards from Virta-connected networks are more likely to work. If your card is from a network without a roaming agreement with Helen, it will be rejected.

4. 4

   Use the Helen app to start the session as a workaround

   While you sort out the RFID issue, the Helen app can start a session directly. Select the charger on the map, tap start, and the session begins without needing a physical card.

Plugging into an AC charger when you expected DC fast charging

Helen operates both AC chargers (11 to 22 kW) and DC fast chargers (up to 200 kW) in the Helsinki area. Some locations have both types side by side, and it is easy to plug into the wrong one.

Symptoms

• Charging speed is only 11 kW or 22 kW at a station you expected to be fast
• The connector is Type 2 instead of CCS2
• Your vehicle's dashboard shows AC charging, not DC
• The charger unit looks smaller and simpler than a typical fast charger

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check the charger type before plugging in

   DC fast chargers are larger units with thick CCS2 cables. AC chargers are smaller, often wall-mounted or on a slim post, with a Type 2 connector. If the connector is Type 2 only, it is an AC charger.

2. 2

   Use the Helen app to identify charger types at each location

   The app shows whether a station offers AC, DC, or both. Filter for DC fast chargers if you need a quick charge. Station listings should indicate the maximum power output.

3. 3

   If you need speed, unplug and move to the DC unit

   If you accidentally plugged into an AC charger and need faster charging, stop the session, unplug, and move your vehicle to the DC fast charger at the same location (if available).

4. 4

   AC charging is fine if you have time

   If you are parked for several hours (shopping, at work, overnight), an AC charger at 11 to 22 kW will add meaningful range. AC charging is also gentler on your battery than frequent DC fast charging.

Parking time limits at urban charging locations

Some Helen chargers in Helsinki are installed in areas with parking time restrictions. You may get a parking fine if you exceed the posted limit, even while charging.

Symptoms

• You see a parking time limit sign near the charger (e.g. 2 or 4 hours)
• You received a parking fine despite being plugged in and charging
• Your charging session takes longer than the posted parking limit
• You are not sure if the parking limit applies while charging

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Read the parking signs before plugging in

   Check the parking signs near the charging spot. In Helsinki, many on-street and parking garage spots have time limits (often 2 or 4 hours). These limits typically apply regardless of whether you are charging.

2. 2

   Set a timer on your phone

   If there is a time limit, set a phone alarm so you can move your vehicle before the limit expires. Even if charging is not complete, a parking fine is not worth the extra kWh.

3. 3

   Use a parking disc if required

   In Finland, many time-limited parking areas require a parking disc (pysäköintikiekko) displayed on your dashboard. Set the arrival time and place it visibly.

4. 4

   Choose locations without time restrictions for longer sessions

   If your vehicle charges slowly on AC and you need several hours, use the Helen app to find chargers in locations without strict parking time limits, such as certain parking garages or less restricted areas.

Limited coverage outside Helsinki metropolitan area

Helen's charging network is concentrated in Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa. If you are traveling outside the capital region, Helen chargers become scarce or unavailable.

Symptoms

• The Helen app shows no stations along your route outside Helsinki
• You assumed Helen would have chargers at your destination but there are none
• The nearest Helen charger is 50 km or more away
• You planned a road trip relying on Helen and now need alternatives

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check coverage before you travel

   Open the Helen app or website and zoom out on the map. Helen's stations are clustered in the Helsinki metropolitan area. If your destination is outside this zone, you will need another network.

2. 2

   Install backup charging apps for other networks

   For travel outside Helsinki, install apps for networks with broader Finnish coverage like K-Lataus, ABC-lataus, Virta, or Recharge. Having multiple apps ready means you always have options.

3. 3

   Use a roaming RFID card for multi-network access

   A roaming RFID card from Virta or PlugSurfing lets you access chargers from multiple networks without installing each network's app. Roaming rates may be slightly higher, but the convenience is worth it for occasional use.

4. 4

   Plan charging stops using a multi-network route planner

   Apps like A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) show chargers from all networks. Enter your vehicle model and destination, and the app will suggest optimal charging stops regardless of which network operates them.