It's called the free market

"Even though doomsayers predicted the hybrid's shelf life would be short and sweet, it's still chugging along and even gaining momentum, like the "little engine that could" from the children's storybook.
Sky-high oil prices and an increased awareness of the energy and global-warming crises are helping fuel the hybrid's gradually increasing visibility.
"It's part of the popular culture now. You are going to see more offerings," said Aaron Robinson, technical editor at Car and Driver magazine. "Car companies that do not offer hybrids will be seen as behind."
With gasoline now selling at higher than $3-a-gallon in much of the U.S., hybrids are certainly getting more attention than ever before in their short lifespan. (Those sold in the United States are all less than 10 years old.)"-Catherine Donaldson-Evans, FoxNews

Demand for oil increases in the international market. Supply doesn't change. Gasoline prices increase. That's economics. There's not much to do about oil prices unless we increase supply. Ahem, those caribou in ANWR aint so cute anymore, are they???

So as oil prices increase, so does demand for hybrid/electric vehicles. Rich hippies will pay for the first few generations of hybrid vehicles and in turn develop the industry and make such vehicles more available and affordable. Or at least that's the great hope. Behold the wonders of the free market!