1. What is Kilowatts Per Tonne?

Kilowatts per tonne (kW/tonne) is a measurement of power-to-weight ratio that indicates how much power is available for each tonne of weight. It's commonly used in automotive, engineering, and industrial applications to evaluate performance efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Power \) — Power output in kilowatts (kW)
• \( Weight \) — Weight in tonnes

Explanation: This ratio provides a standardized way to compare the performance of different vehicles or machines regardless of their size.

3. Importance of Power-to-Weight Ratio

Details: A higher kW/tonne ratio typically indicates better acceleration, climbing ability, and overall performance. It's a critical metric in automotive design, motorsports, and heavy equipment evaluation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in kilowatts and weight in tonnes. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power-to-weight ratio in kW/tonne.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert horsepower to kilowatts?
A: Multiply horsepower by 0.7457 to convert to kilowatts (1 hp = 0.7457 kW).

Q2: How do I convert pounds to tonnes?
A: Divide pounds by 2204.62 to convert to tonnes (1 tonne = 2204.62 lbs).

Q3: What is a good kW/tonne ratio for vehicles?
A: Passenger cars typically range from 50-120 kW/tonne, while performance sports cars can exceed 200 kW/tonne.

Q4: Can this calculation be used for electric vehicles?
A: Yes, the kW/tonne ratio is equally applicable to electric vehicles and provides a good comparison metric against internal combustion engine vehicles.

Q5: Why is power-to-weight ratio important in industrial equipment?
A: It helps evaluate the efficiency and capability of machinery, indicating how much work can be done relative to the equipment's weight.