Abstract: An over-the-road electric storage battery powered vehicle is disclosed in which a motor starting control initiates operation of the vehicle in a manner which simulates initiating operation of an engine driven vehicle. The motor starting control is provided with interlocks which prevent operation of the vehicle when any one of several potentially unsafe conditions is detected.An on-board transformerless traction battery charger is also provided which is constructed and arranged to: enable the traction batteries to be charged to 100% of their capacity quickly but at controlled rates which are not detrimental to the batteries; automatically accommodate the charger to conventional A.C. single or split phase grounded household power supplies; and, detect interruption of the power supply ground connection and prevent application of power to the traction batteries.