Batteries and Utter Confusion!

Even as an electrical engineer, all the info I am having to go through for comparisons, it is definently overwhelming! So let's get to it with batteries. Here are the mainstream choices:

Lead-Acid - Usually the heaviest and least expensive. You can figure 1000-1500 lbs of batteries for a decent range. There are basically 2 main types, sealed and unsealed. Unsealed you have to maintain the water level but usually have more range capabilities (amp hours) and longer life. They react badly to cold, usually half the range of a warm day. Around 500-1000 charging cycles for battery life. Only Deep Cycle batteries or you waste your money! $=~1-3k

Nickel-Cadmium - more expensive, harder to find, but they don't react as badly to cold weather. Performance is supposedly close to lead-acid otherwise, but shorter battery life on most (200-600). $=~3-5k

Lithium-Ion - becoming more popular, but still at least 3 times the cost of Lead-Acid for the batteries alone. You also have to be alot more careful on charging these and expense usually goes even higher buying a specialized charger/balancer. But if money is no object, they are great for higher power and less weight. You can figure half the weight for comparable ratings. The battery life is rated about 2 times that of lead acid, but they really are too new to know for sure (1000-2000). $=~5-30k

Some other new Lithium types - A123 (batteries in Dewalt/Black and Decker) has started making EV batteries and some larger amp-hour batteries, but price is still high if your not a major car manufacturer. China seems to have the cheapest, but you might be giving up quality on some deals. Very good potential though! $=~10-30k

Ultra-Capacitors - vaporware until eestor gives us some info.

There is a huge range of setups that people have used building their EVs. Total voltage (add all batteries in series) has a range of 36-400+ Volts, and mainly defines how quick and fast you can go. Range is based on how many amp-hours your batteries have, and you add to amp-hours by hooking batteries in parallel.

My choices so far:
Unless I find a great deal from China, I will be going with Trojan T-105. For today's prices, a normal size car needs about 20 for a 50 mile range, so at close to $100 each it is about $2k (there goes one goal!). Weight is ~1200 lbs. 20 batteries at 6 Volts each is 120 V. You can usually find higher efficiency motors and controllers with higher voltage (as far as I have seen anyway), and I am still looking at a 240V system as well, for an induction motor setup.

One interesting note:
I put the energizer 1.5 rechargable in my battery calculator to compare. It would require 8334 batteries, and cost over $22k for a 47 mile range. But it would only weigh a couple hundred lbs!
The Tesla Roadster has around 6-7k batteries and uses a micro-controller to balance and charge all of them!

Researching motors and controllers now, check back later!

Day 1

Today is the day! You know what day I am talking about, the first step day!

Eventual goal: Build and electric vehicle that can be used as a daily driver.

Starting specs: 20 miles to work, so at least 50 miles on a charge.
At least 55 mph top speed.
Limited budget, under $5,000...under $1,000 for basic running EV car with $4,000 for improvements and upgrades.
Try to use every alternative energy source available (solar, regen brakes, etc).

I will document all my research and progress here. Feel free to comment or give any tips!

Basics about me:
Electrical engineer from Georgia Tech, worked at the patent office for 3.5 terrible years, helped build and design the Inclined Slope Vac.
Currently working at an OEM building robotic systems for car manufacturing industries. I was involved with the GT Future Truck 2000 EV contest building a hybrid SUV.

My first steps will be fairly boring, a ton of research!! I will post any interesting info that might be helpful for someone else.

Here is a link to get you started: http://www.evalbum.com/build
and a great link to RC Universe for some great battery discussion:
http://www.rcuniverse.com