Zhejiang University students have hacked the Tesla Model S with an attack that enabled them to open its doors and sun roof, switch on the headlights and sound the horn - all while the car was driving along.

The hack was part of a competition at the annual Syscan conference in Beijing, where a prize of $US10,000 was offered to anyone who could pop the smartcar's doors and engine.

Tesla welcomed but did not officially support the competition and said it would investigate any exploits developed against the Model S.

An entrant named team 'yo' exploited an unspecified flaw in the flow design of the car gaining access to the Model S allowing them to alter the car functions while it was in motion.

Tesla hacking at Syscan

Security company Qihoo 360, which sponsored the competition, said on a Weibo social media post it would publish more details of the hack in due course.

Tesla said in a statement it supported "the idea of providing an environment in which responsible security researchers can help identify potential vulnerabilities" and hoped "security researchers will act responsibly and in good faith".

Billionaire Tesla head Elon Musk announced last month its patents would be 'open source' to promote the adoption of electric cars. ®