The New York Times looks at collectable electric cars including early cars that competed with steam and internal combustion powered vehicles, efforts by post World War Two independent companies, efforts in the 1970’s, and the ill-fated GM EV1.
The author who owned various electric cars describes how some more recent ones drove:
The driving experience is best described as primitive, reminiscent of piloting an enclosed golf cart. Acceleration is rapid up to the modest top speed, but braking would make only Fred Flintstone jealous. The best thing about electric car ownership are the startled looks from bystanders watching what appears to be a phone booth on wheels slip silently by. The cars also let you sneak up on almost anyone — the loudest noise is produced by the tires.
This opinion is exactly what backers of electric cars want to avoid – think sports car not golf cart.