Engine power, measured in horsepower (hp), signifies the force or energy generated by the engine. Conversely, kilowatts (kW) represent a standard unit for measuring electrical power, with each kilowatt equivalent to 1,000 watts.
To calculate an engine's horsepower from its power in kilowatts, use the formula: HP = kW x 1.36 (1.3596 to be more precise). This formula derives from the equivalence of one horsepower to approximately 735.49875 watts. Therefore, to convert kilowatts to horsepower, multiply the kW value by 1.36.
For example, a 110 kW engine will have approximately 150 HP, calculated as follows: 110 x 1.36 = 150 hp. It is essential to note that this claim is an estimate, and there are alternative methods for measuring an engine's power.
In the automotive industry, one of the most critical performance parameters of a vehicle is the engine power, which can be measured in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (hp). Although both units indicate the engine's capacity, they differ and are often used in distinct contexts.
What do KW and HP mean?
KW (Kilowatt)
A kilowatt is a unit of power, used mainly in the International System of Units (SI). Power measured in kW represents the rate at which an engine produces energy. In general, the European and international automotive industry typically uses kilowatts to indicate engine power, a unit that is gaining popularity due to international standardization.
HP (Horsepower)
Horsepower, also known as hp (horsepower) in English, is a unit of power that has been widely used in the automotive industry, particularly in the United States. The unit "horsepower" has its origins in the 18th century, when James Watt coined the term to describe the power of an engine compared to the work capacity of a horse.
KW to HP conversion formula
To convert kilowatts to horsepower, the formula is used:
HP = KW × 1.3596
Where:
HP represents horsepower,
KW represents kilowatts,
1.3596 is the conversion factor.
With this formula, we can quickly and accurately calculate the engine power in horsepower if we know its value in kilowatts. This conversion is essential for people who want to compare the performance of cars, mainly when one vehicle is described in terms of KW and another in hp.