Hybrid cars are probably a loss-leader for such manufacturers as Toyota and Honda. I keep thinking of investing in one. They are affordable but you can do cheaper in an equivalent non-hybrid vehicle.

Also remember that a proper energy responsible economy will also make provision for its own waste products. I remember reading that BMW was analyzing all the elements going into its vehicles and how they would be removed/ recycled/ disposed of efficiently in future societies where nothing was produced without an accounting of its ultimate disposal.

Hybrid vehicles bring more interesting elements to the mix. One of the more hazardous items of disposal is the common car battery. Imagine a future with much more massive battery disposal, and about a dozen different technologies among 'em, ditto for fuel cells, which will pose even more problems.

This is where government should really be involved, developing a common standard to which all manufacturers of vehicles and products must adhere.