KW to BHP Converter

1 kilowatt equals 1.341 brake horsepower (BHP). The exact conversion is 1 kW = 1.34102 BHP. To convert kW to BHP, multiply by 1.341. For example, 100 kW = 134.1 BHP. This conversion is essential for UK car buyers as V5C documents show power in kW, while advertisements typically use BHP.

BHP (Brake Horsepower) is the British/US measurement of engine power at the flywheel. HP (Horsepower) is essentially the same as BHP in modern usage. PS (Pferdestärke) is German metric horsepower used by European manufacturers like VW, BMW, and Mercedes. 1 BHP = 1.014 PS, so PS figures are slightly higher. A car rated at 200 PS would be approximately 197 BHP.

Electric motors are naturally rated in kilowatts as it's the standard SI unit for power and directly relates to electricity consumption. While petrol/diesel cars traditionally use BHP, electric car manufacturers typically quote kW to highlight the relationship between power output and battery capacity. Most manufacturers now show both kW and BHP/PS for comparison.

Engine power significantly affects UK car insurance premiums. Insurance companies use BHP as one factor in calculating risk - higher power generally means higher premiums. Cars are grouped 1-50, with more powerful vehicles typically in higher groups. A 100 BHP family car might be group 10-15, while a 300 BHP performance car could be group 35-45.

UK V5C registration documents (log books) show engine power in kilowatts (kW), not BHP. This is because EU type-approval regulations require the SI unit. You'll find the power figure in section P.2 of the V5C. To convert to the BHP figure you see in car adverts, multiply by 1.341.

100 kilowatts equals 134.1 BHP (100 × 1.341 = 134.1 BHP). In PS (metric horsepower), 100 kW equals 136 PS. This is a typical power output for a modern family hatchback like a Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost or VW Golf 1.5 TSI.

Power (BHP/kW) and torque (Nm/lb-ft) are related but different. Torque is rotational force - how hard the engine pushes. Power is how quickly that force is applied. Diesel engines typically have high torque but moderate power. Electric motors have maximum torque from 0 RPM, giving instant acceleration.

For typical UK driving including motorways, 100-150 BHP (75-110 kW) is adequate for most drivers. City cars often have 65-90 BHP, family hatchbacks 100-150 BHP, SUVs 150-200 BHP, and performance cars 250+ BHP. Consider that UK speed limits cap at 70 mph, and higher power often means higher insurance and fuel costs.