V-brake levers will work but will require more hand strength.

I've done it and, honestly, I didn't think it was all that bad. If I already owned a pair of V-brake levers, I'd bolt them up and test them out before taking on a steep, winding 8 mile downhill. If I were buying parts, I'd hold out for a pair of canty style levers.

At least some Shimano levers are AC-DC. The pivot point is adjustable. You'll want to make the pivot point closer to where the cable end seats.