Kilowatt (kW)
The kilowatt is a unit of power, used for electric car motors, home appliances, and solar panel systems. Its symbol is kW.
kW
hp
1 kilowatt equals
| Horsepower | 1.34102 hp |
| Watts | 1,000 W |
About the kilowatt
The kilowatt became the practical unit for household and automotive power as electrical appliances spread through the 20th century.
In everyday use the kilowatt appears in electric car motors, home appliances, and solar panel systems. As a point of reference: a typical electric kettle draws 2 to 3 kW.