How to convert 120 kW to horsepower
One kilowatt equals 1.34102 mechanical horsepower. For 120 kW:
120 kW × 1.34102 = 160.9 hp
Rounded, a 120 kW motor is rated at about 161 hp. European brochures often quote metric horsepower instead: 163 PS.
120 kW in other units
| Metric horsepower (PS) | 163.15 PS |
| Mechanical horsepower (hp) | 160.92 hp |
| Watts | 120,000 W |
| BTU per hour | 409,457 BTU/h |
What torque does 120 kW give?
Power and torque are linked by engine speed: torque (lb-ft) = hp × 5,252 ÷ rpm, or torque (Nm) = kW × 9,549 ÷ rpm. If 120 kW is produced at these speeds:
| Engine speed | Torque |
|---|---|
| 1,500 rpm | 764 Nm (563 lb-ft) |
| 2,500 rpm | 458 Nm (338 lb-ft) |
| 3,500 rpm | 327 Nm (241 lb-ft) |
| 4,500 rpm | 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) |
| 5,500 rpm | 208 Nm (154 lb-ft) |
| 6,500 rpm | 176 Nm (130 lb-ft) |
Running at 120 kW
A motor or heater running at 120 kW for one hour uses 120 kWh. At $0.17 per kWh that costs about $20.40 per hour.
120 kW as a charging rate
An EV charging at 120 kW adds 42 kWh (10–80% of a 60 kWh battery) in about 36 min, including roughly 10% charging losses and a realistic 65% average power on a DC fast charger.
Is 120 kW a lot?
Typical of compact and mid-size cars, wagons and many SUVs.
Values around 120 kW
| kW | PS | hp |
|---|---|---|
| 116 kW | 157.72 PS | 155.56 hp |
| 117 kW | 159.08 PS | 156.90 hp |
| 118 kW | 160.44 PS | 158.24 hp |
| 119 kW | 161.79 PS | 159.58 hp |
| 120 kW | 163.15 PS | 160.92 hp |
| 121 kW | 164.51 PS | 162.26 hp |
| 122 kW | 165.87 PS | 163.60 hp |
| 123 kW | 167.23 PS | 164.95 hp |
| 124 kW | 168.59 PS | 166.29 hp |
Frequently asked questions
How many hp is 120 kW?
120 kW is 160.9 mechanical horsepower (161 hp rounded).
How many kW is 161 hp?
161 hp is 120.1 kW (hp × 0.7457).
How many PS is 120 kW?
120 kW is 163.15 metric horsepower (PS).
Is 120 kW a lot?
Typical of compact and mid-size cars, wagons and many SUVs.
Last updated November 10, 2026