I might be being cynical here but costwise this kind of conversion can't be cheap surely? And with a top speed of 40ish with a range of maybe about 40-50ish miles with a recharge time of what 8-10 hours? OK, so it might be cheaper per mile post conversion but just remember what Clarkson said:
"And where does the electricity come from, Boris?"
I just can't see electricity ever being a viable alternative to conventional fuels until the source of the electricity can be renewable (solar/wind/hydrogen cells) and the speed/range/refill time matches that of an ordinary car. It seems to me like a lot of faff for no real gain.
You're right. Conversion isn't cheap, top speed is lame, recharge time is poor. AS it stands, electric cars are no replacement for petrol, but they have to be used differently to merit their worth.
They are good for a commute car, charge at night and charge while at work. You can have a better car for longer journeys or you can tow a generator which can give you approx 100 mpg. The top speed can be up to 70mph without spending silly money.
NO maintenance on the engine at all.
The electricity comes from fossil fuel burning plants, but they create electricity far more efficiently than a petrol engine uses fuel. Clarkson has a point, but as usual fails to back it up with fact.
Ideally you need one small electric car to get to work and back, and a normal car to go on long journeys, THEN you start to save money and justify an electric car