Nissan's executive vice president for product planning, Andy Palmer, gave the $4 billion figure as an example of his company's all-in dedication to producing electric cars.
It's not a "bet your company" gamble, but it is a major commitment on a scale not seen from any other automaker. Nissan launched it's Leaf in 2010 and sales have been good but it seems to still be losing money on each Leaf sold. However, the company has high hopes that it will lead the ev revolution by bringing an affordable EV to the masses.