Kilowatt (kW)
The kilowatt (kW) is the official unit of engine and motor power in Europe, shown in registration documents.
What is Kilowatt (kW)?
One kilowatt equals about 1.36 metric horsepower (PS). Electric motors are usually rated in kW. Some taxes and insurance rates are based on kW. Registration documents in the EU list the engine’s maximum power in kW.
How it works
Power is the rate of doing work: one kilowatt is one thousand joules per second.
Why it matters for your car
Do not confuse kW (power) with kWh (energy stored in a battery). Peak power and continuous power of electric motors can differ a lot.
Other terms
- Battery Swapping
- Duty Cycle
- Exhaust Manifold
- Glovebox
- Headlight Washer
- Ignition Lead (Spark Plug Wire)
- Kick-down
- Kingpin
- Knock Sensor
- Matching Numbers
- OBD Mode 6 Data (On-board Test Results)
- Odometer (Mileage Counter)
- Panel Beating (Dent Repair)
- Pre-ignition (LSPI)
- PTC Heater (Electric Auxiliary Heater)
- SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction)
- Service History
- Towing Capacity
- Tyre Flat Spot
- WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure)