[3] As sales declined after the end of its production, the Prius PHV fell to fifth place in the global ranking by November 2015, after being surpassed by both the Tesla Model S and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

[12][13] The selected battery capacity is the minimum required for a vehicle to be eligible for the U.S. federal tax credit of US$2,500, which under the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 applies to the first 200,000 plug-ins sold by an automaker.

[14] After displaying the concept version in these three shows, a global demonstration program involving 600 pre-production test cars began in late 2009 and took place in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the United States.

[15][16][17] The demonstration vehicles were made available for lease to fleet and government customers, of which, 230 were delivered in Japan beginning in late December 2009, 125 in the U.S. by early 2010, and 200 in Europe in spring 2010.

When the second pack was depleted, it disconnected from the circuit and the vehicle defaulted to conventional hybrid mode, using the main battery as the sole electrical power source.

[32] Among the organizations that received the first Prius Plug-ins are Transport for London, the Government Car and Despatch Agency, the Metropolitan Police Service, News International and Sky.

[37] Other regional programs considered were Northern and Southern California, Washington, D.C., New York City, Portland and Pittsburgh, which offered different conditions for vehicle performance and customer needs.

[12][37] In June 2010 the demonstration vehicles were delivered to Portland State University,[38] the Silicon Valley Leadership Group,[39] San Diego Gas & Electric and the California Center for Sustainable Energy.

[49] For the first-generation Prius plug-in, the total all-electric range in blended mode is 18 kilometres (11 miles) as rated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Because of that limitation, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the vehicle as having a range of 18 km (11 mi) in blended mode (mostly electric, but supplemented by the internal combustion engine).

As an additional benefit, the Eco mode improves performance in low-traction conditions because the reduced output helps to minimize wheel skidding such as those caused by ice and snow.

Toyota estimates that the all-electric range varies between 16 and 24 km (10 and 15 miles) on a full charge depending on quick acceleration and braking, road and vehicle conditions, or climate control use.

[51] The Prius PHEV overall EV mode/hybrid fuel economy is higher than the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid and both Ford Energi models, but lower than the BMW i3 REx, Chevrolet Volt and the Cadillac ELR.

[72] Based on the JC08 Japanese test cycle, the Prius PHV fuel efficiency is 61.0 km/L (143 mpg-US, 1.64 L/100 km), calculated from combined all-electric (EV) and hybrid (HV) driving modes, with only 38 g/km of CO2 emissions.

The Prius PHV has a factor of 29%, compared with 83% for the BMW i3 REx, 66% for the Chevrolet Volt, 45% for the Ford Energi models, and 33% for the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid.

[75] During the storm and subsequent flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, one Prius Plug-in and 16 Fisker Karmas caught fire while being parked at Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal.

Standard features include heated front seats, remote air conditioning system (which can run either off the grid while the vehicle is plugged in or off the battery like the third-generation Prius), a charger timer, EV/ECO/POWER modes, three-door smart key with push-button start, new touch-screen display audio with navigation and an integrated backup camera, Toyota Entune, and LED daytime running lights.

[85][88] Both the fourth-generation standard Prius and the second-generation plug-in would benefit from advances in battery, electric motor and gasoline engine technologies that would enable significantly improved fuel economy and driving performance, in a more compact package that is lighter in weight and lower in cost.

[90] Compared to the first-generation Toyota Prius Plug-in, the improved technology in the second-generation allows the vehicle to achieve a maximum of 68 kW (91 hp) from the electric motor system in EV mode.

[82][96] Toyota was also able to make the fuel economy in hybrid mode nearly equal to the regular fourth-generation Prius liftback, despite the extra weight of the much larger battery pack.

The GR Sport Package includes suspension tuning, additional bracing, a digital tachometer, a different shift knob, aluminium pedals, and a small diameter steering wheel.

It is the first model to offer the TSS 3.0 system's Traffic Jam Assist function that allows the driver to go hands-free, with the on-board computers handling acceleration, braking, and steering under 40 km/h (25 mph).

The XSE Premium trim also offers optional solar panels under its glass roof that charge the battery while the vehicle is parked and provide supplemental power for accessory functions like air conditioning while it is being driven.

The model will be offered in a new two-tone paint scheme, newly designed aluminium alloy wheels, LED illumination for the "PHV" and "Hybrid Synergy Drive" badges.

The price includes installation of a charging station at home, and owners also benefit from several tax exemptions and enjoy free parking due to car's low emissions.

[178] As of 31 December 2012[update], a total of 470 units were sold since its introduction to the market in July 2012, allowing the Prius PHV to surpass the Vauxhall Ampera and ranking as the top selling plug-in hybrid in the country.

[185] Due to its battery size, the first-generation Prius Plug-in qualified for a federal tax credit of US$2,500, and also met eligibility for additional incentives at the state and local level, such as California's US$1,500 rebate.

[185] On 22 April 2011 Toyota introduced its priority registration website for customers interested in ordering the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, even though the purchase price had not been announced at that time.

[55][190] Initial availability was limited, and, as of October 2013[update], the Prius PHV was offered only in 15 states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

[55][193] As of October 2016[update], cumulative sales of first-generation Prius PHV totaled 42,345 units since 2012, ranking as the second top selling plug-in hybrid car in the U.S. after the Chevrolet Volt.