This is the shocking moment an electric car slid down the iconic Tianmen Mountain steps, before crashing into a guardrail.

The Chery Automobile vehicle was undergoing a test drive when the incident took place at the Zhangjiajie tourist site in Hunan, China, on November 12.

Authorities confirmed the EV lost control while ascending the ‘Stairway to Heaven', sliding down the steps and damaging part of the guardrail.

Footage shows the vehicle climbing the steps before suddenly reversing and smashing into the railings, causing visible damage.

Local media reported that preliminary investigation found that the accident was caused by the safety rope's fixing point detaching unexpectedly. This led the rope to wrap around the right wheel, cutting off engine power and causing the vehicle to slide.

No injuries were reported. Chery Automobile issued a public apology and pledged to fully repair the damaged barriers.

The company said in a statement: 'The outcome has exposed our insufficient assessment of potential risks and lapses in detail control during the planning and execution of this test.

'In particular, we deeply reflect on the public concerns caused by choosing to conduct the test in a public scenic area.'

The Stairway to Heaven at Tianmen Mountain rises 492ft in elevation and consists of 999 steps, leading up to the Tianmen Cave.