When I was in high school, we had an electric vehicle program. We built 3 different cars in 4 years. All of the vehicles we built were older cars that we converted to electric. A 78 chevy monza, 82 s10, and 82 ford exp. All three cars used 16 6volt batteries, and had a single 23hp electric motor. There are better methods for providing the electricity, but we were restricted by the rules used for the competition. All of these cars were capable of speeds over 80 mph and had a range of about 60-80miles per charge. For most people that is enough for daily commuting to work or school. We drove these vehicles in everyday traffic, and on the interstate. the downside was the acceleration, but they were still pretty fun to drive. We were even able to adapt the stock transmissions which were either 4 speed or 5 speed manuals.