A Vanagon is one of the worst platforms for converting to an EV.
Too heavy, no aerodynamics. A repeatable range of 100 miles it will
cost you more than $8000.

If you want an EV, get something small and light, like a Suzuki
Swift.    Generally if it is good on gas it will be good on electric.
If it is crappy on gas it will be expensive to convert to electric.

Before considering an EV, join this mailing list and/or meet other EV
owners at EV clubs.  Do plenty of research.

http://www.madkatz.com/ev/evlist.html
http://www.eaaev.org/eaachapters.html

If you want to save fuel (and the planet) without spending too much
time and money, take your $8000 and buy an older, small, reliable
fuel efficient car to drive.  Lately I've been driving a 91 Corolla
as my daily driver.  Car costs well under $2000 and gets 30 MPG, and
requires no "care and feeding" relative to a Vanagon.