gotta add a lot of lead batteries (or a lot of money) to get volts up for that motor. 180lbs is probably a better fit for a civic, no? That's like 4 car batteries difference in weight from 400lbs.
'course albaquerque is a cruise too.
DC motors are starting to look good next to these industrial giant ac things. Or a bank of alternators from the junkyard running as AC motors
http://www.evalbum.com/876