Unlike the European Union, where automakers can meet CO2 emissions reduction targets by selling a mixture of hybrids and EVs, Britain is demanding from this year that automakers sell a minimum percentage of fully electric cars or face fines of 15,000 pounds ($19,033) per non-compliant vehicle sold.

Britain said on Wednesday it would rethink the rules that force carmakers to produce more electric vehicles after the industry warned that the current plan would lead to factory closures and job losses,

The UK government faces increasing opposition from car manufacturers over strict electric vehicle (EV) sales targets, citing weak consumer demand and financial strain on the industry, BBC News reports.