I really think that there is a market for whether I cheekily refer to as an OPEC (One Person Electric Car). Aim for a $5-7k price tag. 100 miles of range, max of 80 mph. USA federal refs would require a backup camera but I’d save $ by requiring the end user to bring an iPhone or Android device for any mapping, or infotainment via a single speaker. AC and Heat would be required as I’d expect this to be a commuter car. Storage can be minuscule to non existent as this would not be a standard grocery getter… maybe a big backpack size compartment so the business user can fit their laptop…
Make it small but ok to drive 20 minutes back and forth to the office or for the quick errand. A good second car.
I replaced the main battery in a Gen1 Prius. Fiddly. Had to get a strong buddy to help lift it in and out of the car, but we did it in a long weekend. A full set of 'used but tested' cells cost something like $750 but that was probably 8 years ago.
The Solar Pedilio Aimed To Be a Replacement for Cars but Vanished From the News Instead ( www.autoevolution.com )
This velomobile was powered by a 250 W motor, equipped with 23 Ah of battery power, and could siphon energy from the sun via a 100 W solar panel
EVs Could Last Nearly Forever—If Car Companies Let Them ( www.theatlantic.com )