Looking to get started on a capstone project to build a mock up EV with regen help

I’m a senior starting my capstone project. Our team has a $1,000 budget and we’re collaborating with a professor to build a small EV with regenerative braking. For safety, we must stay under 50 V. We’re considering either a brushed DC motor or a BLDC, but I’m feeling overwhelmed trying to understand all the components and how they fit together.
Do you have tips or beginner friendly resources that explain what we’ll need (motor, controller, battery, safety hardware, etc.) and how to approach regen at this voltage and budget? Any resources would help. Thanks