kW to PS Converter
Convert kilowatts (kW) to PS (Pferdestärke), also known as metric horsepower. This converter is particularly relevant for European vehicle specifications, where PS is commonly used alongside or instead of brake horsepower (BHP). In the UK, you’ll often encounter both measurements when reviewing car specifications, especially for Continental European vehicles such as Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
kW to PS Conversion Table
This table provides common kilowatt to PS conversions for vehicle power ratings. Whether you’re comparing car specifications or verifying engine output figures, these values offer quick reference points for typical automotive applications.
| Kilowatts (kW) | PS (Metric Horsepower) | Typical Vehicle Category |
|---|---|---|
| 50 kW | 68 PS | City car / Small hatchback |
| 75 kW | 102 PS | Compact family car |
| 100 kW | 136 PS | Mid-size saloon |
| 110 kW | 150 PS | Family SUV |
| 125 kW | 170 PS | Performance hatchback |
| 150 kW | 204 PS | Sports saloon |
| 200 kW | 272 PS | Performance car |
| 250 kW | 340 PS | High-performance vehicle |
| 300 kW | 408 PS | Supercar |
| 400 kW | 544 PS | Hypercar |
Conversion Formula
The conversion between kilowatts and PS follows a straightforward mathematical relationship. PS (Pferdestärke) is the metric equivalent of horsepower, defined as the power required to lift 75 kilograms one metre vertically in one second.
Step-by-Step Conversion
1 Identify your starting value in either kilowatts or PS.
2 For kW to PS: Multiply the kilowatt value by 1.35962. Example: 100 kW × 1.35962 = 135.962 PS.
3 For PS to kW: Multiply the PS value by 0.73549875. Example: 150 PS × 0.73549875 = 110.32 kW.
4 Round to two decimal places for practical applications in vehicle specifications.
Power Measurement Context
Understanding the relationship between different power measurements helps when comparing vehicles from different markets or manufacturers. In the UK automotive sector, you’ll encounter multiple units depending on the vehicle’s origin and the manufacturer’s preferences.
The International System (SI) unit of power. Since 1992, kW has been the official EU measurement for engine power. One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. This metric is increasingly common in vehicle specifications across Europe and is the primary measurement for electric vehicle motors.
German for “horse strength,” PS is the metric horsepower standard. Widely used in Continental Europe, particularly by German manufacturers. One PS is defined as 735.49875 watts. Despite kW becoming official in the EU, PS remains popular in marketing materials and enthusiast discussions.
Traditional British measurement still commonly used in the UK. One BHP equals 745.7 watts. The difference between PS and BHP is minimal—1 PS equals 0.986 BHP, making them nearly interchangeable. BHP measures power at the engine’s output shaft.
Regional Differences
Within the UK, manufacturers often list both BHP and PS in their specifications, particularly for imported European vehicles. When importing a vehicle or comparing specifications across different markets, it’s essential to note which measurement is being used. Insurance companies typically require accurate power figures, so knowing how to convert between these units proves valuable for modified or imported vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Power Conversions
Beyond kW and PS, several other power measurements appear in automotive and engineering contexts. Understanding these relationships provides a comprehensive view of power specifications across different systems and regions.
Torque Considerations
Whilst power (kW or PS) indicates overall performance capability, torque represents the rotational force an engine produces. Power and torque are related but measure different aspects of engine performance. In the UK, torque is typically specified in Newton-metres (Nm) or pound-feet (lb-ft). The relationship is: Power (kW) = Torque (Nm) × Engine Speed (RPM) / 9,549. Diesel engines typically produce more torque than petrol engines of equivalent power, contributing to their different driving characteristics.
Historical Background
The concept of horsepower originated in the late 18th century when Scottish engineer James Watt needed a way to market his improved steam engines. He calculated that a typical brewery horse could turn a mill wheel 144 times per hour, moving a weight of 180 pounds in a circle 12 feet in radius. This worked out to approximately 32,400 foot-pounds per minute. Watt rounded this to 33,000 foot-pounds per minute and defined it as one horsepower.
As the metric system spread across Continental Europe, countries developed their own metric equivalent—Pferdestärke in Germany, chevaux-vapeur (CV) in France. These metric horsepower units defined the power needed to lift 75 kilograms one metre in one second, creating the PS standard still used today. The kilowatt, meanwhile, emerged as part of the International System of Units (SI), defined precisely as 1,000 joules per second.
The automotive industry’s adoption of different power measurements reflects both regional preferences and regulatory requirements. The UK traditionally used BHP, Continental Europe favoured PS, and the United States employed SAE horsepower. Modern globalisation and EU standardisation have led to manufacturers frequently providing multiple measurements to accommodate different markets, though kW has gradually become the technical standard whilst PS persists in consumer-facing materials.