The two companies have already worked together to offer the Roadster and Roadster Sport in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands last year, while the Model S will also be available in Sweden, Portugal and Poland. Tesla expects to bring the first examples of the Model S to Europe in late 2012.

George Blankenship, Tesla’s vice president of sales and ownership experience, said: ‘We are excited to kick off Model S leasing with a company that shares our passion for a future of energy efficient vehicles that are incredibly fun to drive. Athlon Car Lease is a valuable partner and is instrumental in our efforts to show customers across Europe the benefits of driving electric.’

Hans Blink, President of Athlon Car Lease, added: ‘Sustainability and innovation are in Athlon’s DNA and at the very core of our business. We believe that bringing EV solutions closer to customers is key in increasing the adoption of electric vehicles in the market. We are thus proud to be – once more – a frontrunner in promoting change in our industry.’