April 21st 2026
The decal considerations to meet the rise of electric and hybrid construction equipment
Following a visit to EXCON, India in December, Pranay Kollipara, Head of Growth at Gate 7 India speaks about the rise of electric and hybrid construction equipment that’s being witnessed widely in India but also across the EU and America and the advances that is driving for printed solutions.
What is driving the growth in electric and hybrid construction equipment?
In India, manufacturers are certainly being influenced and driven by Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). This is a Government policy to promote a self-sustaining and independent India that is less reliant on imports and therefore advocates for local and sustainable manufacturing of construction equipment (CE).
Construction equipment, specifically as that is supporting the boom in various projects across the country from residential through to industrial, including mining, as well as infrastructure construction that is being enabled through Government investment.
The benefits of electric and hybrid are widely documented in relation to the environmental benefits but also the improved working conditions they can deliver through less pollution and noise. This is something that isn’t standalone to India as many regions are imposing targets around emissions and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
However, in India the drive towards electric and hybrid is being driven by OEM manufacturers diversifying portfolios and looking to meet emission targets as well as accessing the FAME Scheme. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME), launched by India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries is playing a significant role as it is providing support to infrastructure to meet the demands on electric and hybrid vehicles as well as providing financial incentives for electric vehicle purchases.
Are there changing demands for decals with electric and hybrid CE?
Electric and hybrid CE are absolutely creating new safety and compliance graphic requirements, however the demand around compliance and durability remain consistent.
For example, equipment such as electric excavators, backhoe loaders, and wheel loaders are moving from internal combustion hazards to high-voltage, battery-powered systems, which have their own safety and operational hazards. Therefore, new safety decals are required to prevent accidents, injuries, and equipment damage.
These safety and warning decals must highlight not only the hazards of the high-voltage battery but also warn against the electrical hazards and potential hazards of a vehicle that is still powerful but operates more quietly.
And as these are heavy duty machinery, the decals must be able to meet required regulations as well as withstand extreme conditions and remain legible under harsh conditions – without the need for regular replacement. This is a standard Gate 7 decals have long delivered against and understanding quality and standards is a key benefit our experienced teams have.
The need for specialised decal printing
For Gate 7, we’re in a great position to support OEM manufacturers through our on the ground manufacturing facilities in India, the US and UK. These strategic locations enable access to a robust global supply chain as well as deliver consistent high-quality production and delivery of printed solutions. Through our more than 25 years of expertise we are able to provide solutions that are legally compliant and clearly visualise specific safety and operational information bespoke to electric and hybrid equipment.
To find out more about our capabilities get in touch.