Some are suggesting that GM will attempt a similar feat with their minivan expertise.  GM had all but abandoned the minivan segment as they have seemed to lose their luster.  But if you want to make an electric vehicle that has extended range the minivan is the perfect shell to put those components into.

The Chrysler EV runs for 40 miles on batteries and then an gas motor kicks in to recharge the batteries to keep the car running.  This is the exact system that GM is using for the Volt (and the one that makes the most sense for people that can’t afford to have more than one car).  The batteries for it would be in the floor of the minivan where storage used to be.  A small sacrifice for a soccer mom keen on using volts instead of gas to cart her kids around.  Whereas the Volt will have a battery pack that is shaped like a T and goes down the middle of the car causing the loss of the middle rear seat, the minivan would be able to still seat 7.

The floor is also the ideal place in terms of handling.  The battery pack for any EV will weigh hundreds of pounds when all put together.  You want that weight as close to the ground as possible to keep the vehicle stable around corners or for defensive driving.