Convert kW to hp

1 kW = 1.341 hp: the formula

To convert kW to hp, divide by 0.7457, which is the same as multiplying by 1.341: hp = kW × 1.34102. This gives mechanical horsepower, the unit used for American and British cars. Example: an electric car rated at 250 kW makes 250 × 1.341 = 335.26 hp.

The converter opens on 100 kW to hp, which is 134.102 hp. Type the kW figure from a spec sheet in "Value". The "In every unit" table also gives metric horsepower (PS), the figure you will see in German or Italian brochures, and ⇄ "Swap units" switches to hp to kW.

kW to hp chart

When you are handed kilowatts

Electric cars

EV makers, charging apps and reviews quote motor output in kW. A 150 kW motor is 201.15 hp, close to a 2.0-liter turbo gas engine. Do not mix it up with battery size in kWh, which is stored energy, not power.

European cars and imports

European registration papers list power in kW only. A car advertised as 110 kW makes 147.51 hp. The brochure may say 150 PS: that is metric horsepower, about 1.4% smaller than hp, so the hp figure is a little lower.

Generators and motors

Industrial motors are often rated in kW, while US equipment uses hp. A 7.5 kW motor is the standard size sold as 10 hp.

Mental math

Add a third: 96 kW + 32 = 128 hp, against 128.74 exactly. The shortcut is only 0.6% low.

Frequently asked questions

How many hp is 100 kW?

134.10 hp, or 135.96 PS in metric horsepower.

Why does the brochure say 150 PS but the converter gives 147.5 hp?

PS is metric horsepower, 735.5 W, while hp is 745.7 W. The engine is the same; only the unit changes.

Is kW the same as kWh?

No. kW measures power, kWh measures energy. A 100 kW motor running flat out for one hour uses 100 kWh.