How to convert 55 kW to horsepower
One kilowatt equals 1.34102 mechanical horsepower. For 55 kW:
55 kW × 1.34102 = 73.8 hp
Rounded, a 55 kW motor is rated at about 74 hp. European brochures often quote metric horsepower instead: 75 PS.
55 kW in other units
| Metric horsepower (PS) | 74.78 PS |
| Mechanical horsepower (hp) | 73.76 hp |
| Watts | 55,000 W |
| BTU per hour | 187,668 BTU/h |
What torque does 55 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 55 kW is produced at these speeds:
| Engine speed | Torque |
|---|---|
| 1,500 rpm | 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) |
| 2,500 rpm | 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) |
| 3,500 rpm | 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) |
| 4,500 rpm | 117 Nm (86 lb-ft) |
| 5,500 rpm | 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) |
| 6,500 rpm | 81 Nm (60 lb-ft) |
Running at 55 kW
A motor or heater running at 55 kW for one hour uses 55 kWh. At $0.17 per kWh that costs about $9.35 per hour.
55 kW as a charging rate
An EV charging at 55 kW adds 42 kWh (10–80% of a 60 kWh battery) in about 1 h 18 min, including roughly 10% charging losses and a realistic 65% average power on a DC fast charger.
Is 55 kW a lot?
Typical of small city cars with an entry-level engine – fine around town, slow on the highway.
Values around 55 kW
| kW | PS | hp |
|---|---|---|
| 51 kW | 69.34 PS | 68.39 hp |
| 52 kW | 70.70 PS | 69.73 hp |
| 53 kW | 72.06 PS | 71.07 hp |
| 54 kW | 73.42 PS | 72.42 hp |
| 55 kW | 74.78 PS | 73.76 hp |
| 56 kW | 76.14 PS | 75.10 hp |
| 57 kW | 77.50 PS | 76.44 hp |
| 58 kW | 78.86 PS | 77.78 hp |
| 59 kW | 80.22 PS | 79.12 hp |
Frequently asked questions
How many hp is 55 kW?
55 kW is 73.8 mechanical horsepower (74 hp rounded).
How many kW is 74 hp?
74 hp is 55.2 kW (hp × 0.7457).
How many PS is 55 kW?
55 kW is 74.78 metric horsepower (PS).
Is 55 kW a lot?
Typical of small city cars with an entry-level engine – fine around town, slow on the highway.
Last updated November 10, 2026