Bob, the lead batteries sure would be the way to go on a 1st try.If they were "fouled up' during developement-for any reason-they would be a lot cheaper to replace.
You know, I'm not so sure the much more expensive batteries are waaaay lighter.
The DIY electric car builder used Lead batterys initially.He used 1300 lbs of Lead batterys-29 Optima batteries. They stored 18,000 watt-hrs, and he could drain 14,600 Watt-Hr from them(down to 20% charge).He could drive 90 miles with the 3300 lb Honda(started at about 2000 lbs I think) on one charge-he did have regen capability.
Our Prius has a 1500 Watt-Hr battery-it weighs 90 lbs- 16.6 watt-hr per lb
18000/1300=13.8 Watt-hr per lb for cheapo lead batteries.(Well,the Optima aren't cheap,but...)
Where is the weight advantage?What am I missing here? Do the Lead batteries have that short a life span? They are certainly cheaper-18000 watt hrs for $1100- vs our Battery pack 1500 watt-hrs $2500?
I must be missing something?What is it?Thanks,Charlie