No hybrid or electric car is profitable. The cost of entry into the car business is very high, with small profit margins. This would not be the best use of Apple’s funds. But creating a total car computer system seems to be logical. Car companies do not do software well and I hope Apple is smart enought to not try and build a car.
Not true. The Toyota Prius, although it took 10 years to happen, is now profitable and making up 10% of Toyota's U.S. sales.
These technologies are a long-term investment for automakers. Here is a good article on the subject: