I personally think that the most versatile commuter vehicle is a bicycle, whether self-powered or assisted. Since your plan is to build a commuter "car", I'd advise to 1) rethink the recumbent design. Most folks will want (require) easy in and out. Also, the low profile affects visibility to other larger vehicles. 2) The design on your web site has very little storage space. Where would I put my work stuff, laundry, groceries that I pickup on the way home? 3) Your site claims "no insurance required" however this may not be accurate in my state depending on your drive train configuration.
I sense that your goal is to produce something exciting, though probably not for the masses. IAW you don't really intend to attract people away from their cars. That's completely OK; though you would be limiting your market. I'll check out your site later when you open up voting and probably follow your project. I'm skeptical about your under $2K goal, but we'll see. Good luck.