I don't see how "structural" batteries can be viable with the technology we have today.<p>I think it's understood that your battery for your EV will not last the life of the vehicle. By making the fame/chassis of the vehicle one big battery, you remove the ability to replace the battery down the road and consequentially artificially reduce the lifespan of the EV. When making environmental considerations, EV lifespan should be part of the calculus.
I wonder why mopeds don't do this. Put the battery in the seat tube or some such. It seems an optimal spot in the transportation speed/size/range/cost space. Yet I've not seen an electric moped in my town.