I think there are a couple of contenders beginning to emerge, but it seems that greed and monopoly are the restricting factors now. One such potential with range and speed, but without swappable batteries
is Th!NK whose City model is based on the Ford City electric car but using a different battery technology, see here
Home - Think
Heres Autocars review from March this year.
Think City - Road Test First Drive - Autocar.co.uk
They have also receive investment from GE for their OX model concept using A123 batteries which seem to have to be leased (I suppose you dont have to worry about buying new ones then).
I dont know what is holding these guys back, the youtube videos and press releases dont say much. I dont think its the technology, I think its the price and margins personally (production margins in the automotive manufacture industry are very comfortable).
John