Though the Roadster was originally tipped to get a two-speed gearbox, Tesla has instead switched to a slick 'single gear reduction transmission', which gives 0-60 performance of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 125mph.

It's not coming cheap, though as Europe's Teslas will be solely top-spec editions.

There's better news for the rest of us, though. By 2010, Tesla will be building around 1000 Roadsters in Europe, and it'll be joined by a four-door saloon.

Codenamed 'Model S', we're told that the design is near-complete and that it should hit 60mph in under six seconds. It should be cheaper than the Roadster, too.

Tesla has also hinted that it could build a coupe, hatchback, crossover and SUV on the Model S's architecture - as well as a racing version of the Roadster (oh yes) but has stressed that these are only potential ideas at this stage.

However, with Furai designer Franz von Holzhausen recently signed up, we'd imagine Tesla will be keeping him busy.

This electric future might not be all bad, y'know...