Bafang 42V 3A Charger vs Shimano STEPS EC-E8004
Comparison 2026 — E-bike Chargers
VS
Our verdict
Based on our weighted scoring, the Shimano STEPS EC-E8004 edges out the Bafang 42V 3A Charger with an overall score of 86/100 against 76/100. It scores particularly well on charging speed (76/100) and compatibility (92/100), 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 €79.00.
Charging speed winner
Shimano STEPS EC-E8004
4% higher than its rival
Value winner
Bafang 42V 3A Charger
8% better value for money
Specifications
| Specification | Bafang 42V 3A Charger | Shimano STEPS EC-E8004 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €45.00+76% | €79.00 |
| Rating | ★4.3 (890) | ★4.5 (640) |
| Overall | 76/100 | 86/100+13% |
| Charging | ||
| Charging current | 3 A | 4 A+33% |
| Output voltage | 42 V (laad) / 36 V (nominaal)+17% | 36 V |
| Power | 126 W | 144 W+14% |
| Charge time 468 Wh (0-100%) | ± 5 uur | — |
| Weight | 500 g+30% | 650 g |
| Charge time 504 Wh (0-100%) | — | ± 5 uur |
| Compatibility | ||
| Systems | Bafang BBS01 / BBS02 / BBSHD, generieke 36V li-ion | — |
| Connector | DC barrel 5.5x2.1mm of XLR-3+38% | Shimano 4-pin rond / 4-pin round |
| Not compatible | Bosch / Shimano STEPS / Brose / Yamaha | Bosch / Brose / Bafang / Yamaha |
| Certification | CE (let op grijze import) | — |
| Battery type | — | Shimano STEPS BT-E6000 / E8010 / E8014 / E8020 / E8035 / E8036 |
| Motors | — | STEPS E6000 / E7000 / E8000 / EP8 |
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
Shimano STEPS EC-E8004
Pros
- Genuine Shimano product with a 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Compact and silent — no audible fan during charging
- Compatible with virtually all Shimano STEPS E6000/E7000/E8000 batteries
- Charges a 504 Wh BT-E8035 pack to full in about 5 hours
Cons
- Shimano does not offer a 6A fast-charge variant
- Works exclusively with Shimano STEPS batteries — not interchangeable with Bosch or Brose