📚 Learning Guide
Government and Market Efficiency
medium

A local government is considering implementing a subsidy for electric vehicles to encourage more environmentally friendly transportation. What is the most likely effect of this subsidy on market efficiency and externalities?

Master this concept with our detailed explanation and step-by-step learning approach

Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
4
Explore Topic

Choose the Best Answer

A

It will reduce deadweight loss and enhance allocative efficiency by encouraging the production of a positive externality.

B

It will create a market distortion that could lead to inefficiencies and increase deadweight loss.

C

It will have no impact on market efficiency since subsidies do not affect consumer behavior.

D

It will only benefit the manufacturers without influencing overall market dynamics.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

When a local government provides a subsidy for electric vehicles, it lowers the cost for consumers, making these vehicles more affordable. This can lead to an increase in the number of electric vehicles on the road, which helps reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, creating positive externalities. Positive externalities are benefits that affect people who are not directly involved in the transaction, like cleaner air for everyone. By encouraging the use of electric vehicles, the subsidy can improve market efficiency by aligning private costs with social benefits, meaning that more people will choose electric vehicles instead of traditional cars. For example, if a family buys an electric car due to the subsidy, they not only save money but also contribute to a healthier environment for their community.

Detailed Explanation

The subsidy helps more people buy electric cars. Other options are incorrect because Some might think subsidies always cause problems; It's a common belief that subsidies don't change how people act.

Key Concepts

Market Efficiency
Government Intervention
Externalities
Topic

Government and Market Efficiency

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Ready to Master More Topics?

Join thousands of students using Seekh's interactive learning platform to excel in their studies with personalized practice and detailed explanations.