Renault–Nissan plans to produce 500,000 electric vehicles a year by the end of 2013, according to the chief executive of the Renault–Nissan automotive alliance.

"I don't think for the first three years the issue will be, 'Are you going to be able to sell everything you produce?' There is such a curiosity about the car and attention to the car," said Carlos Ghosn, the chief executive of the Renault–Nissan automotive alliance.

In December, Nissan will be releasing the Leaf EV, in the United States and Japan. Ghosn told reporters in Washington that he is confident consumers will naturally gravitate towards electric cars. He said that internal research has found that 10 percent of buyers around the world would prefer to buy an electric vehicle. The Leaf has a range of 100 miles with a single charge.

Nissan and Renault have made electric cars an important part of their strategy. Ghosn said the alliance would have four electric vehicle models each by the end of 2013. Along with the Leaf, Nissan's plans to introduce a small city car, a commercial vehicle and a luxury vehicle. The automaker has already made a substantial investment in this venture, with plans to build the electric car around the globe. Approximately, 200,000 battery packs and 150,000 electric vehicles will be built in Tennessee.