Mechanical Power

Mechanical Power

Mechanical Power is the useful power produced by a motor and delivered to the output shaft. It represents the rate at which the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical work.

Mechanical power is determined by the motor torque and rotational speed:

Mechanical Power = Torque × RPM

In VESC Tool, mechanical power is calculated using measured motor speed and torque-producing current. It represents the power available to perform useful work such as accelerating a vehicle, driving a wheel, or moving a robotic actuator.

⚠️ Mechanical Power is often confused with Electrical Power. These terms should not be used interchangeably. Mechanical power is the useful power produced by the motor, while electrical power is the power supplied by the battery. Due to system losses, mechanical power will always be lower than electrical power.

Example

A motor producing 10 Nm of torque at 3000 RPM is generating mechanical power. If the motor speed or torque increases, the mechanical power will also increase.

In simple terms: mechanical power is the useful power being delivered by the motor.