Units & Conversion · 马力与千瓦（Horsepower & kW） · Updated 2026-10-25
What Is Horsepower & Kilowatts?
Definition
Two horsepower conventions dominate: metric PS (1 PS = 75 kgf·m/s ≈ 735.5 W) and US hp (≈745.7 W) — a 1.4% gap that shifts a "300-hp" car by ~4 hp. Chinese spec sheets use kW (the legal unit): 150 kW ≈ 204 PS. Torque (N·m) governs launch and climbing; power (kW) governs top speed and acceleration, linked by P=T×ω. EV motors list both peak and rated power — peak lasts only 10-30 seconds.
Formula
1 PS ≈ 0.7355 kW; 1 hp ≈ 0.7457 kW; P(W) = T(N·m) × ω(rad/s)
Worked Example
A 150 kW rating equals ~204 PS metric or ~201 hp US — mind the convention when comparing overseas specs.
Common Misconception
"More horsepower, faster acceleration" — acceleration depends on the torque curve, gearing, weight and tires; a 1.6-tonne EV at 300 kW outruns a 2-tonne ICE at 400 kW. And never mix kW with kWh: kW is instantaneous power, kWh is energy — a 7 kW charger fills a 60 kWh pack in ~8.6 hours.
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