Let’s face it, electric cars are the future. Yes they are expensive, but that will change quickly with increased volume and higher oil prices.
An electric car is basically batteries, an inverter, and a motor/generator. The maintenance on them will be almost nothing. They will eliminate the (gas powered) engine, transmission, all the junk supporting the engine, gas tank, a heavy duty power train, heavy duty brakes, and a heavy duty frame to support engine/torque.
The only thing electric cars will need to add in the future is extra crumple zones.