[patrickrd]

Originally Posted by Elgin Clock

Is there a way to equivalent Gas Engine Horsepower to Electrical motor power?

I'm not sure about this, but I imagine gas engine horsepower is the output power of the engine. To compare to an electric motor, you need to look at the output power of the motor. Some motors have power ratings but I always look at the stall torque and free speed. Take half of each, and multiply together to get the power of the motor (N*m x rad/sec = Watts). This is the point where the motor is creating the most mechanical power it can possibly produce at the rated voltage. Then you can convert the watts to horsepower (google search "unit conversion" with "i'm feeling lucky"). This is probably as good of a comparison you will get.

You also need to keep in mind that engines and electric motors work very differently. If you use an electric motor at peak output power, it is not most efficient! In fact you are converting a lot of the power to heat at that point. Depending on the thermal limits of the motor, you may burn out the motor if you run at this point for a given amount of time. I don't know how long you can run an engine at peak horsepower? Maybe someone knows.