BYD has announced its 5th generation plugin-hybrid (PHEV) technology – as well as the first two models to use it – as the company’s PHEV options breach the combined range of 2,100 km on a single refuel/charge (CLTC range, usually overestimates by 10% relative to WLTP). BYD’s Chairman Wang Chuanfu claimed at the Shenzhen Auto Show that – likely under some relatively stringent driving and environmental conditions – the hybrid technology achieves a fuel consumption of just 2.9L/100km on depleted batteries. Most importantly, BYD claims its 5th generation DM-i technology boasts the world’s highest thermal energy efficiency of 46.06%. The technology’s 46.06% thermal efficiency rating – when verified – certifiably brings BYD to the forefront of combustion engine technology, despite…