Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the energy transferred when one kilowatt of power is sustained for one hour; EV specifications use it mainly for battery capacity and energy consumption.
Energy is not power
Kilowatts (kW) describe the rate at which energy is transferred. Kilowatt-hours describe the amount transferred. A charger delivering 50 kW for half an hour supplies 25 kWh before losses; a 100 kW charger can transfer that same amount in a quarter of an hour if the vehicle can maintain the stated power.
How EVKX uses kWh
Battery capacity may be stated as gross or net/usable:
- Gross capacity is the pack's total nominal energy content.
- Net or usable capacity is the portion made available for driving under the manufacturer's control strategy.
The difference can include buffers intended to protect the battery and support reliable operation. Definitions are not always identical between manufacturers, so capacity figures should be compared on the same basis.
Energy consumption is commonly shown as kWh per 100 km or kWh per 100 miles. Lower consumption means less battery energy is required for the stated distance. A simple range estimate divides usable battery energy by consumption per unit of distance, but real driving also depends on speed, weather, elevation, tires, cabin heating or cooling, and charging is not part of that driving calculation.
For a fuller explanation of capacity and battery-pack terminology, see EV Battery Basics.