Tree Surgeons: Managing risk where a tree falls on an EV

In the aftermath of Storm Darragh, an interesting question was posed on Linkedin regarding a new an unprecedented problem in the tree world.

Trees falling on EVs.

It was noted by the writer that it is a fairly common consequence of storms that tree failure can cause cars to be damaged.  However, the tried and tested traditional methods of dealing with the fallen tree needed a re-think given new risks involved where a tree falls on an electric vehicle.  The writer noted that the traditional methods to remedy no longer applied.  One mistake in the tree removal and the battery could ignite causing an electrical fire or even on explosion.  For each of these incidents the risk could be so great that the fire brigade would need to be in attendance whilst the tree removal work was going ahead.

This sort of risk hasn’t been something that has been explicitly risk assessed previously for those carrying out works to remove these fallen trees.

This got me to thinking.  My husband is an auto electrician and works in auto manufacturing.  I spoke to him about whether this was something that would need to be dealt with differently from situation when a tree falls on a petrol or diesel car (with an internal combustion engine).  I commented on the Linkedin post that I would see if he had any tips to share from the car point-of-view and I would share those with the readers in a blog.

So what did he flag up?:

• As at December 2024, approximately 4% of the cars on UK roads are fully electric.  The percentage of EVs on the road will vary depending on location.  The highest percentage of EVs on the road is in the City of London.
• The number of EVs and the frequency of storm events both look set to increase
• Most batteries are located in the floor pan of the car
• Lithium-ion batteries used in most EVs can catch fire or explode if they are damaged.
• EV battery fires can be difficult to extinguish.  The Fire Brigade will be trained and equipped to deal with such an electrical fire.
• ‘Normal’ cars would not go up in flames without a spark but an electric vehicle is different.  If the battery takes any impact it can become its own fire risk

Given the characteristics of an EV his conclusion is that each situation should be looked at in terms of its own risk.  There is guidance on what to do to minimise risk when an electric vehicle is in a traffic incident.  A starting point would be to adopt those same safety precautions when dealing with a situation where an EV has been impacted by a tree.  Those precautions involve:

1. Take photographs of the incident scene
2. Avoid exposed cables – stay away from the car if you see exposed orange electricity cables as these are the most dangerous
3. EVs are not inherently more dangerous but there are things to bear in mind
4. The fire brigade should be in attendance for tree removal where the tree has hit the car and there is a risk of further battery impact in the course of tree removal
5. Guidance advised that additional training should be given to those who drive or handle EVs to ensure that they are safely handled.  It would seem a cautious approach would be to offer training to those involved in tree works to identify and minimise risks when working on/near an EV.

The overarching message has to be, if in doubt, call the fire brigade to be in attendance so ensure the tree works can be carried out safely.

Tree Law manage all sorts of legal claims involving trees and tree risk.  If you have a particular legal query that we can help with then get in touch – hello@treelaw.co.uk