Ok, I will bite too. The transaction is not free. First, there is a huge asymmetry in the relationship between a consumer and such a large entity as a car make

Ok, I will bite too. The transaction is not free. First, there is a huge asymmetry in the relationship between a consumer and such a large entity as a car maker. Second, you can’t vote with your feet much, as the market is controlled by a very limited number players who can easily collude to manipulate the market without explicitly doing so. Third, many if not all car manufacturers receive subsidies from the government in various forms. Tesla as an example, selling regulatory credits plus consumer tax credit and rebates. If it is subsidized by tax payers, then why not attach strings to it prohibiting anti consumer behavior.