It is on purpose. It relies on the human belief that something good for you must be awful. Food that is low-fat, tastes like crap, therefore something this ugly “Must” be good for the planet. The Toyota Prius originally looked so ungainly in order to fit the large batteries inside. Now the storage batteries are much smaller and there is no need to design them so “chunky” but consumers have been conditioned to relate that look with eco-friendly. So much so, that Honda Even copied the form for their Hybrid even though they could have gone any direction when they designed it.

Furthermore, “Ugly” appeals to the ego of “Green” people. They believe it says to the rest of the world: “Look at me! I’m saving the Planet. Aren’t I great? I’m so dedicated to saving the Planet, that I will sacrifice good looks for fuel economy. I’m willing to take one for the team and look bad, so I can benefit your future welfare… You’re welcome!”