And there's a Coles Notes summary of those three builds in this shorter blog series:
It’s a Trend! 3 Dirt Cheap DIY Electric Cars | Hypermiling, Fuel Economy, and EcoModding News - EcoModder.com
Another option for cutting your teeth on EVs is to start smaller - add electric drive to a bicycle, or do up a motorbike (if you find that interesting). Ben - Electro Metro guy - started by converting a motorbike which he used regularly to run errands once built.
Are there any EV groups in your area? If so, I'd also recommend meeting up with them.
Darin