There are two EV calculators that I like.

First: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/lab/8679/evcalc.html

This one has a bunch of information as well as a method for adding more information as needed.

Second: http://www.evconvert.com/tools/evcalc/

This one has a much better user interface.  I am in the process of developing one that relies on a database.  This will allow others to add data for retrofitting.

The following statistics for a Honda Prelude (taken from various sources) will come in handy:

• Drag Coeeficient: 0.34 (2)
• Frontal Area: 20.6 (1)
• Curb Weight: 2866 (1)

I used the first site with the following selections:

• Batteries/String: 9 (108 Volts)
• Number of Strings: 2
• Battery Type: 3M Lithium Polymer

Everything else I kept the same.  This gave me a top speed of 73 mpg and a range of 72 miles at 70 mph (in fifth gear).  That is a total of 18 batteries.  I tried to find the batteries on line, but could not.  The page was written back in 2004.  So the battery may not be available any more.  On the bright side, there may be something better.  Uve’s page had a unit cost of $177/battery. 

That means the bettery cost would be $3186.  That is almost half my budget.  But that is not surprising.

(1) http://92lude.com/prelude_dimension_capacities.htm

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Prelude

I like to start all of my projects with a mission statement.  This helps to focus my efforts.  By specifying what I am trying to accomplish, it helps to prevent my own tendency to add to the project because “it will be cool”.  So, with no further ado:

Retrofit a Honda Prelude to operate off of portable electric power for daily commuting to and from work.