Bafang 42V 3A Charger vs Bosch Compact Charger 2A
Comparison 2026 — E-bike Chargers
VS
Our verdict
Based on our weighted scoring, the Bosch Compact Charger 2A edges out the Bafang 42V 3A Charger with an overall score of 82/100 against 76/100. It scores particularly well on charging speed (64/100) and compatibility (94/100), making it the better all-round pick in E-bike Chargers.
The Bafang 42V 3A Charger remains a sensible alternative if price is your main concern — it lands at €45.00 versus €69.00.
Charging speed winner
Bafang 42V 3A Charger
8% higher than its rival
Value winner
Bafang 42V 3A Charger
12% better value for money
Specifications
| Specification | Bafang 42V 3A Charger | Bosch Compact Charger 2A |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €45.00+53% | €69.00 |
| Rating | ★4.3 (890) | ★4.6 (1,980) |
| Overall | 76/100 | 82/100+8% |
| Charging | ||
| Charging current | 3 A+50% | 2 A |
| Output voltage | 42 V (laad) / 36 V (nominaal)+17% | 36 V |
| Power | 126 W+75% | 72 W |
| Charge time 468 Wh (0-100%) | ± 5 uur | — |
| Weight | 500 g+12% | 560 g |
| Charge time 500 Wh (0-100%) | — | ± 9 uur |
| Compatibility | ||
| Systems | Bafang BBS01 / BBS02 / BBSHD, generieke 36V li-ion | — |
| Connector | DC barrel 5.5x2.1mm of XLR-3 | — |
| Not compatible | Bosch / Shimano STEPS / Brose / Yamaha | — |
| Certification | CE (let op grijze import) | — |
| Battery type | — | Bosch PowerPack / PowerTube Classic+ |
| Capacities | — | 300 / 400 / 500 / 625 Wh |
| Motors | — | Active, Performance, Performance CX (2014-2021) |
| Smart System | — | Nee / No |
Pros and cons
Bafang 42V 3A Charger
Pros
- Works with nearly every 36V (42V charging) battery with a DC plug — BBS01/02/HD, Unit, Ansmann
- Very affordable — roughly half the price of a genuine Bosch charger
- Charges a 36V 13Ah (468 Wh) battery in about 5 hours
- Compact and light enough (500 g) for occasional travel
Cons
- Build quality is generic — no active cooling and a simple plastic housing
- Not intended for Bosch, Shimano or Brose systems with data communication
Bosch Compact Charger 2A
Pros
- Only 560 grams — 30% lighter than the standard 4A Bosch charger
- Detachable C7 mains cable saves luggage space and works internationally
- Fully compatible with all Bosch Classic+ PowerPack and PowerTube batteries
- Perfect for cycling holidays along the Vechtdal, Wadden or Rhine routes
Cons
- 2A is slow — a 500 Wh pack takes nearly 9 hours to go from 0 to 100%
- More expensive per amp than the standard 4A charger