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Kilowatts (kW) to Horsepower (hp) Converter

Convert engine power (kW) to Mechanical, Metric, and Electrical Horsepower. Includes comparative tables for automotive and industrial motors.

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Category Energy & Power

Engine Power Converter

Enter kW to see all Horsepower variations

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About

In the automotive and heavy machinery industries, power is communicated in various dialects of "horsepower." A mismatch between Mechanical (Imperial) Horsepower and Metric Horsepower (PS) can lead to confusion regarding vehicle performance or motor specifications. This tool standardizes the data by converting Kilowatts - the modern scientific standard - simultaneously into all three major horsepower definitions.

Mechanical Horsepower is prevalent in the UK and US automotive sectors. Metric Horsepower (PS, cv, ch) dominates the European and Asian markets. Electrical Horsepower is distinct, used primarily for electric motors. This converter displays all relevant values instantly, ensuring clarity whether you are analyzing a combustion engine spec sheet or an industrial turbine.

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Formulas

There are slight variations in the definition of 1 horsepower based on the measurement system used.

1. Mechanical (Imperial) Horsepower:

P(hp) = P(kW) × 1.34102

2. Metric Horsepower (PS, cv, hk):

P(PS) = P(kW) × 1.35962

3. Electrical Horsepower:

P(hp-elec) = P(kW) × 1.34048

Reference Data

Vehicle / MotorPower (kW)Mechanical hp (UK/US)Metric hp (PS/cv)
Small City Car45 kW60.3 hp61.2 PS
Compact Sedan85 kW114.0 hp115.6 PS
Mid-Size SUV110 kW147.5 hp149.6 PS
Sports Hatchback150 kW201.2 hp203.9 PS
Performance Sedan250 kW335.3 hp339.9 PS
Supercar500 kW670.5 hp679.8 PS
Hypercar1000 kW1341.0 hp1359.6 PS
F1 Car (Approx)750 kW1005.8 hp1019.7 PS

Frequently Asked Questions

hp (Mechanical Horsepower) is based on imperial units (550 ft-lbf/s). PS (Pferdestärke) is based on metric units (75 kp·m/s). PS is approximately 1.4% higher than hp for the same kilowatt output. While close, they are not identical.
EVs are technically rated in Kilowatts (kW). However, marketing materials often convert this to Mechanical Horsepower (hp) in the US or Metric Horsepower (PS) in Europe to allow comparison with internal combustion engines.
Generally, no. Electrical Horsepower is a specific definition used for electric motors in industrial settings. Car engines (even electric ones) are usually compared using Mechanical or Metric horsepower.