What is the difference between kW and kWh?

kWh is an amount of energy, for example what the battery holds. kW is a rate, how fast energy flows; time equals energy divided by power.

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eMobility and EV basics · Stop 04What do kWh and kW mean for a car?Kilowatt-hours are the amount, kilowatts the rate. With both units, battery size, consumption, motor power and charging time all fall into place.
  • kWh, kilowatt-hours, is an amount of energy: what the battery holds and what a trip uses.
  • kW, kilowatts, is a rate: how fast energy flows, into the battery or out of it.
From “Amount and rate”, stop 04
  1. What is the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?A hybrid takes all its energy from fuel; its small battery is filled by the engine and by braking. A plug-in hybrid also charges from the grid, so everyday distances can run on electricity.
  2. What is the difference between LFP and NMC batteries?NMC stores more energy per kilogram. LFP contains no cobalt and costs less: in 2025, LFP packs were on average more than 40% cheaper per kWh.
  3. Why does range drop on the motorway?Air drag grows with the square of speed, and the power needed with its cube. Above about 100 km/h, it dominates consumption.
  4. Why do electric cars lose range in winter?Heating the cabin takes energy, and a cold battery works less efficiently. In a Norwegian winter test, 23 cars lost 21.7% on average against their WLTP range.