Kilowatt (kW) to Horsepower (hp)
To convert kilowatts to horsepower in the US, multiply by 1.3410 (for mechanical/SAE horsepower). This is essential when comparing electric vehicles, which are rated in kW, with traditional gasoline cars rated in hp.
Frequently asked questions
One kilowatt equals 1.3410 mechanical horsepower (SAE hp). This is the standard conversion for US purposes. Metric horsepower (PS), used in Europe, gives a slightly higher figure of 1.3596 hp per kW.
One hundred and fifty kilowatts is 150 × 1.3410 = 201.2 hp. Many popular US electric vehicles fall in this range — for example, the base-model Chevrolet Equinox EV produces 213 hp (158.8 kW).
One hundred kilowatts equals 134.1 hp. This output is typical for a compact electric or hybrid vehicle. The Toyota Prius Prime, for instance, produces a combined 220 hp (164 kW) from its plug-in hybrid system.
Multiply the kW figure by 1.341 to get hp. A 300 kW electric motor produces approximately 402 hp. However, electric motors deliver peak torque instantly from zero RPM, so they often feel faster than a gas engine with the same peak horsepower figure, especially during acceleration from a stop.