Combusting Tesla Goes Viral

The footage, which was uploaded this Sunday, appeared on Weibo (which is like Chinese Twitter) showed the popular model parked underground, before smoke began to billow from its underside and it burst into flames.

Another two vehicles were caught up in the blaze which was reportedly extinguished without any injuries.

According to Weibo users, the video from security footage was taken in Shanghai.

When reached for comment by Reuters, Tesla said that it was taking the footage seriously.

“We immediately sent a team onsite and we’re supporting local authorities to establish the facts. From what we know now, no one was harmed,” the company said in response to queries from Reuters and other outlets - though Tesla has said nothing further or offered any explanations since.

The American EV company has been making a push into China - which is the world’s largest EV market. Currently all Tesla’s sold in China are imported from the US, though it is in the process of building an assembly in Shanghai.

Reactions on Weibo have been a mix of concern and outrage, though some have seen the humour as well.

"One thing I've learned from this incident: from now on, don't ever park next to a Tesla,” said one user.