All the basic engineering work is done, motors, drivetrain, handling, etc.
The only drawback, and it’s a huge one, is THE BATTERY!
Until some ‘breakthrough’ in battery technology comes along, where it can go 300+ miles on one charge and be recharged fully in less than 30 minutes, the electric car will remain an urban commuter and rich man’s toy.
Every so often we hear of these ‘breakthroughs’ but not has come to market.
The battery itself weighs a lot, so weight must also come down to where the car can carry 4 passengers and their luggage economically.
The electric car really doesn’t solve a problem, it creates new ones................
Basic yes, but improvements keep coming. Decades more work needs to be done. I've read of some wheel motor improvements by the Japanese that greatly improved efficiency.
Best hope for electrics is the hybrid platform. Full electrics will never compete. Hybrids are the way to go if one wants to compete with gasoline autos. Best is a hybrid electric/gasoline auto. There are hybrid electric/hydrogen autos but not as efficient, takes too long to regenerate hydrogen onboard if using electrolysis and hydrogen stations not readily available. Hybrids can replenish batteries when braking while that energy is lost in conventional gasoline autos. I believe the day will come where hybrids are the majority of sold vehicles on the road. But gasoline engines will still be in use for decades to come.