How to convert 15 kW to horsepower
One kilowatt equals 1.34102 mechanical horsepower. For 15 kW:
15 kW × 1.34102 = 20.1 hp
Rounded, a 15 kW motor is rated at about 20 hp. European brochures often quote metric horsepower instead: 20 PS.
15 kW in other units
| Metric horsepower (PS) | 20.39 PS |
| Mechanical horsepower (hp) | 20.12 hp |
| Watts | 15,000 W |
| BTU per hour | 51,182 BTU/h |
What torque does 15 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 15 kW is produced at these speeds:
| Engine speed | Torque |
|---|---|
| 1,500 rpm | 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) |
| 2,500 rpm | 57 Nm (42 lb-ft) |
| 3,500 rpm | 41 Nm (30 lb-ft) |
| 4,500 rpm | 32 Nm (23 lb-ft) |
| 5,500 rpm | 26 Nm (19 lb-ft) |
| 6,500 rpm | 22 Nm (16 lb-ft) |
Running at 15 kW
A motor or heater running at 15 kW for one hour uses 15 kWh. At $0.17 per kWh that costs about $2.55 per hour.
15 kW as a charging rate
An EV charging at 15 kW adds 42 kWh (10–80% of a 60 kWh battery) in about 3 h 05 min, including roughly 10% charging losses.
Is 15 kW a lot?
The European A2 motorcycle licence is limited to 35 kW. For a car this is very little power.
Values around 15 kW
| kW | PS | hp |
|---|---|---|
| 11 kW | 14.96 PS | 14.75 hp |
| 12 kW | 16.32 PS | 16.09 hp |
| 13 kW | 17.68 PS | 17.43 hp |
| 14 kW | 19.03 PS | 18.77 hp |
| 15 kW | 20.39 PS | 20.12 hp |
| 16 kW | 21.75 PS | 21.46 hp |
| 17 kW | 23.11 PS | 22.80 hp |
| 18 kW | 24.47 PS | 24.14 hp |
| 19 kW | 25.83 PS | 25.48 hp |
Frequently asked questions
How many hp is 15 kW?
15 kW is 20.1 mechanical horsepower (20 hp rounded).
How many kW is 20 hp?
20 hp is 14.9 kW (hp × 0.7457).
How many PS is 15 kW?
15 kW is 20.39 metric horsepower (PS).
Is 15 kW a lot?
The European A2 motorcycle licence is limited to 35 kW. For a car this is very little power.
Last updated November 10, 2026