I think you are looking into the future of electric cars here. Ten to fifteen years from now, when electric and other propulsion systems are more commonplace, the natural trend will be towards performance. Just look at the trend in ICE development once gas became plentiful again in the 80s: R&D shifted from economy to performance. The same thing will happen to alternative propulsion systems as battery range extends and alternative fuel infrastructures expand. A whole new generation of "tuners" will pop up, with the knowledge to wring more speed out of these new technologies, and people will pay them. Then the manufacturers will step up. As long as the energy driving these new technologies is afforable Americans will want to go faster in larger vehicles. Electric Hummers with 400 HP and a 300 mile range. It is inevitable.
