Motors can be either DC or AC. AC motors require inverters to convert DC into AC and can use variable frequency drives to operate the AC motor at different speeds. AC is a much more expensive system but has advantages like ease of implimenting regenerative braking. DC motors can use PWM speed controls to control motor speed. DC regenerative braking usually requires switching gear.

Accessories that we are accustomed to in regular internal combustion engine cars can be difficult to provide. Power Steering, Power brakes and air conditioning are some examples. Power brakes would require an small electric motor vacuum pump and receiver as a vacuum source. Power steering and AC could also be driven off of accessory motor but can also be powered via a power take off from the main motor. Down side to this method is loss of these accessories when the motor is running at low speed or stopped.
References :
http://www.myersmotors.com/
http://www.zapworld.com/
http://www.evadc.org/build_an_ev.html
http://www.electricvehiclesusa.com/