How are electric motors measured in terms of performance?

Electric motors are typically measured in terms of performance using horsepower, which quantifies the amount of work the motor can perform over time. Horsepower is a standard unit of measurement in the electric motor industry that allows for a comparison of the capability of different motors. It indicates the motor's efficiency and power output, making it an essential specification for engineers and operators when selecting a motor for specific applications.

While maximum rotation speed, fuel consumption rate, and torque values are important performance characteristics of electric motors, they do not singularly define the overall performance as horsepower does. Torque, for example, gives insight into the motor’s capability to perform work, but without the context of speed (RPM), you can't fully understand its performance. Similarly, fuel consumption is more relevant for combustion engines rather than electric motors. Hence, horsepower remains the primary metric for assessing an electric motor's performance effectively.