Metric Horsepower (PS, CV, HP)
Metric horsepower, written PS, CV or ch in Europe, is a traditional power unit equal to about 0.735 kW.
What is Metric Horsepower (PS, CV, HP)?
It is slightly smaller than the imperial horsepower (hp) used in the UK and US. Most European marketing still quotes PS alongside kW. 100 kW is about 136 PS. In Turkey and many European countries, engine power in adverts is usually given in PS or HP alongside kW.
How it works
It was defined as the power needed to lift 75 kg by one metre in one second.
Why it matters for your car
When comparing cars from different markets, check whether hp or PS is meant. Official documents use kW as the legal unit.
Other terms
- Biodiesel (FAME)
- Bird Droppings On Paint
- Cavity Wax
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Duty Cycle
- ECU (Engine Control Unit)
- End-of-Life Vehicle (Scrapping)
- Ethanol Fuel (E10, E85)
- Fuel Tank
- Ignition Advance
- Inner Tie Rod (Axial Joint)
- Lowering Springs
- Paint Runs (Sags)
- Refractometer (Coolant And AdBlue Tester)
- Returnless Fuel System
- Seasonal Tyre Change
- Starting Handle (Crank Handle)
- Wh/km And kWh/100 Km (EV Consumption)
- Wheelbase
- WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure)