The lyrics of Live's hit song 'Lightning Crashes' paint a poignant picture of life and death, where a baby is born at the same moment an old mother passes away. The theme of transition and confusion between the two events resonates deeply with many of us. However, when it comes to the vehicle market, the laws of physics and the lyrics of 'Lightning Crashes' cannot be applied in the same way.

The chart showing unit sales change year over year since 2015 for each powertrain may suggest a decline in gasoline ICE and hybrid sales, while other powertrains see an increase. But is this decline equivalent to the demise of legacy powertrains? Not necessarily. The vehicle market is not a 'closed or isolated system,' where matter cannot be created or destroyed, but rather it's a dynamic ecosystem that responds to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements.

In fact, the total number of vehicles sold in 2018 increased modestly, indicating that the industry is not controlled by the law of conservation of mass. Instead, it's driven by innovation and adaptation to emerging trends. The growth of battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) sales is a prime example of this phenomenon. With over 330,000 vehicles sold in 2018, representing an increase of 79% compared to the previous year, it's clear that momentum continues to build for electrified powertrains.

As the Energy Information Administration projects that the fleet of registered light-duty vehicles in the U.S. will increase from about 244 million in 2018 to nearly 265 million by 2035, there is room for diversification of powertrains without a one-for-one replacement rate. The size of the market is not static, and extrapolating data from a single piece of information would be misleading.

In conclusion, while 'Lightning Crashes' may evoke emotions about life and death, it's essential to apply different principles when analyzing the vehicle market. The law of conservation of mass does not apply here, and the industry responds to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. As automakers continue to commit to electrified powertrains, it will be exciting to see how this trend shapes the future of transportation.

Lightning crashes an old mother dies