The Volt will also cost too much, although the concept is good. I am thinking of a 90's Chevy S-10 since it is practical (I could use a pickup truck anyways) and pretty standard to find electric conversion parts for.
I still am trying to figure out the battery system. A123 has some lithium iron phosphate batteries I think (maybe there are some other places that do as well). But I am looking for something that will work for me and doesn't cost too much. I would like to not have to replace batteries every 2-4 years either.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium...sphate_battery