The Prius V failed because it only gets 38 to 42 mpg. That's not that great for the absurd look of the car, inside and out.
The C-Max (Energi) failed because it simply costs too much. It is a fantastic car and can be obtained for about $12K now, new about $32K.
Ford and Chevy have produced Hybrid and Plug In hybrid since 2012. (Focus EV, Fusion Energi, and C-Max Energi) Ford messed it all up simply by using the word Energi. Nobody knows what that means. They should have just said Plug-In Hybrid.
The Chevy Volt is losing sales to it's only cousin the Bolt, which has nothing at all in common with the Volt.
Toyota is going to win the entirely electric car when they make Hydrogen powered cars normal car priced. (Hydrogen the most abundant element in the Universe, and when used in the car produces H20, that's pure water)
Don't get too excited about this entire topic. Alternative fueled cars make up less than 1% of the market, and just because we are in it, we already embrace the change. We are decidedly in the minority.