Metric horsepower (PS)
A horsepower is a unit of measurement of power. One metric horsepower (PS - Pferdestärke) corresponds to the force required to lift 4500 kilograms over a distance of one meter in one minute.
Horsepower: What is it, and why is it important?
There is a difference between the horsepower used in the US (SAE standard) and the horsepower used in Europe (DIN standard). Metric horsepower (PS) is 98.6% of one horsepower (HP - Horsepower) in imperial units, respectively - 1.4% less.
Electric horsepower
One metric horsepower equals 735.5 watts (W) or 0.7355 kilowatts (kW). In imperial units, one horsepower equals 746 watts or 0.746 kilowatts. There is no difference between electrical and mechanical performance in terms of horsepower.
The history of horsepower
Horsepower was first coined by Scottish inventor James Watt in the late 18th century to help market his improved steam engine. At the time, it made sense to measure the output of a steam engine in horsepower because the value meant the number of horses the engine could replace. This made it very easy for potential buyers to understand the performance of the engine.