"To reconcile the demand for individual mobility with the preservation of the environment and high cost of oil, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is committed to the development of 'zero-emission' vehicles," said Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Renault and president and CEO of Nissan, in a statement.

The French deal adds to the growing number of Nissan-Renault electric car alliances around the world. According to Cleantech, Shai Agassi, the founder and CEO of the EV venture Project Better Place is also looking to join the effort. "Better Place will closely review the latest developments in France and look to partner with Renault, EDF and others to develop a pan-European electric vehicle network," he said.