The Nissan-Renault EV alliance says it will set up shop in California as part of a partnership with Sonoma County to develop zero-emissions electric cars and charging stations.

Like the last week's deal with Oregon, the goal of the agreement is to establish the base for the automaker's introduction of plug-in cars -- both pure EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) -- into the American market. According to Edmunds Green Car Advisor, Sonoma, located just north of San Francisco, could soon see Nissan's first battery-powered models as the automaker proceeds to work with local officials on what may become the nation's first EV battery-charging network.

Learn about similar efforts by Mitsubishi and California utilities, and the testing of the innovative Mitsubishi i MiEV.