The psychology behind the hype of electric vehicles is that people are more concerned with a vehicle's appearance and coolness factor rather than the environmental impact or the differences between electric and other vehicles. The focus is on aesthetics and being part of the hype rather than a genuine commitment to the environment. However, a vehicle like the new Prius challenges this mindset by being both visually appealing and affordable, while also serving the needs of anyone transitioning from a gas vehicle without the need for charging infrastructure. This demonstrates that a car doesn't have to be purely electric to be cool and positive, and a plug-in hybrid like the new Prius can be a step in the right direction for the automotive industry.