Mohal Lalbhai Talks Matter Aera 5000 & India's EV Revolution: Exclusive Insights into the Future of Mobility
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Business Standard
23-07-2025
- Business Standard
EV startup Matter launches ₹1.93 lakh Aera 5000+ e-bike, eyes IPO
Electric vehicle startup Matter, which launched its Aera 5000+ electric motorcycle in Mumbai priced at ₹1.93 lakh, is positioning the product as a direct alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles in the 150–200cc segment. Backed by US-based venture firm Helena, Matter says its product is designed not to compete with electric vehicles (EVs) but with petrol bikes. Capital 2B, Japan Airlines & Translink Innovation Fund (Canada), SB Invest, and othe₹are investo₹in the startup. Matter aims to take on ICE rivals like the Yamaha R15 V4 (₹1.85 lakh), TVS Apache RTR 160 (₹1.18 lakh), Bajaj Pulsar NS200 (₹1.45 lakh), and KTM 200 Duke (₹2.06 lakh). The Ahmedabad-based startup was in pilot mode until June 2025 and is now expanding across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. It aims to scale up from seven dealerships currently to 150 dealerships by the end of 2026, with a sales target of 50,000 units next year. The company expects to break even in the next three to five yea₹with a monthly run rate of 20,000–25,000 units. The Aera 5000+ comes with a 5 kWh battery and a certified range of 172 km, along with a four-speed manual gearbox—which the company claims is a first for an electric motorcycle in India. The company recently closed a $35 million Series B round, bringing its total funding to $75 million. Matter's post-money valuation now stands at $230 million. It plans to raise an additional $125 million in multiple tranches over the next three to four years, as part of a broader $200 million fundraising plan. 'The funds will be used to expand production, deepen research and development, and scale distribution,' Lalbhai said. 'We are targeting a public listing in the next three to four yea₹once we hit our revenue and growth milestones.' Matter has filed over 350 patents, with core components like the battery pack, gearbox, and powertrain developed in-house. Although the current Aera model uses rare-earth magnets, the company is working with a US-based firm on non-rare-earth motor technologies to mitigate future supply risks. 'India's motorcycle market is largely untouched by electrification. As more consume₹get options like Aera, we believe adoption will accelerate much like it did in scooters,' Lalbhai added.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Time of India
Matter launches AERA 5000+ geared electric motorcycle in Mumbai
Electric mobility startup Matter has launched its AERA 5000+ in Mumbai. Following earlier rollouts in Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Pune, the Mumbai launch is seen as a key step in the company's national expansion. Priced at ₹1,93,826 (ex-showroom Mumbai), the AERA 5000+ is now open for bookings via the company's website. The launch comes ahead of the upcoming festive season, including Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali, a period typically associated with increased vehicle sales in urban India. The AERA 5000+ features MATTER's proprietary 4-speed manual gearbox, branded as HyperShift, designed specifically for electric motorcycles. 'Mumbai doesn't slow down. It's bold, quick-thinking, and always ahead. That's why this city is special to us,' said Mohal Lalbhai, Founder and CEO of MATTER. Features The AERA 5000+ comes with a range of features including a 5kWh battery pack with a certified range of up to 172 kilometres, a 7-inch touchscreen dashboard, dual disc brakes with ABS, and a smart key for keyless ignition. Notably, the model is backed by a lifetime battery warranty, a first in the Indian electric two-wheeler segment, according to the company. The electric motorcycle maker also announced the opening of a new experience centre in Mumbai, located at Saki Naka Junction in Andheri. The facility will offer test rides, product demonstrations, and customer engagement as part of the company's omnichannel approach to electric vehicle retail. The company claims to have filed over 350 patents, 75 of which have been granted, covering areas such as battery management, liquid cooling, and gearbox technology.
India Today
22-07-2025
- India Today
2025 Ultraviolette F77 SuperStreet review, first ride: Does this electric motorcycle deliver more than just range?
To most, electric motorcycles are a far-fetched dream, one that's far from realisation. However, there are brands like Matter and Ultraviolette that think otherwise. Although they have their approach to the idea, it is clear and distinct in its conviction. The first time I rode the F77 Mach 2 and Aera 5000+, it got me thinking. Am I being obtuse? There's a market for such products in our country, and people want a unique riding experience that's light on the pocket. To my eye, the red and black combo looks good on the F77 SuperStreet. advertisementAs for the F77 SuperStreet, it arrived at the beginning of the year, sporting a starting price of Rs 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom), and the top-end 'Recon' variant costing a tidy Rs 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It's got the same specifications as the F77 Mach, right down to the top speed, battery pack, range and even cycle parts. The only difference is the taller and wider handlebar, which alters the rider's triangle to a certain degree. There's also a redesigned cowl for the headlight, and Mach 2 gets more colour options, while the SuperStreet has to make do with four, which are common between the new on the SuperStreet?Visually, absolutely nothing. This looks like the same bike launched in January 2025. Instead, Ultraviolette has focused its energy towards enhancing the performance, and it's in the same vein as the update the F77 got with Mach 2, albeit with fewer goodies to show for in the specs sheet. So, what's changed? For starters, the powertrain has been optimised for better thermal efficiency. Through a combination of software-based updates, the powertrain has become more efficient. Over 70,000GB of connected vehicle data feeds into 'Violette AI', Ultraviolette's in-house intelligence system. That's data collected from over 80 lakh kilometres, and all of this has resulted in a 20 per cent initial surge of power at low-mid RPMs, across all three modes - Glide, Combat and Ballistic. That's the gist of this latest 'Gen3 Powertrain Firmware' and its applicable to both the Mach 2 and SuperStreet. Does it make a huge difference to the riding experience of the latter?Does it ride any differently?Honestly, from an ergonomics standpoint, not really. The good thing that Ultraviolette did was provide a short riding experience of the pre-update SuperStreet. Straight away, the difference is palpable. There's better urgency from the low-end of the rev band, heading into the mid-section. There's a healthy surge if you keep the throttle pinned in 'Combat' mode, which sits between 'Glide' and 'Ballistic'. Seat cushioning needs to be reworked. Long stints in the saddle will leave one sore - both literally and figuratively. I also love that there are levels to the traction control and regen, which is a fun thing to play around with on the move. Regen 4 felt most similar to an ICE motorcycle, but that's as close as it gets. It's uneasy not having a gear-shifter or clutch lever, although the brake pedal is adjustable, which is great. The acceleration feels addictive, and performance, depending upon the riding mode, is delivered with a hefty punch. Another thing that doesn't sit well with me or vice versa is the cushioning of the seat, which felt harder than it needs to be on a motorcycle that's supposed to be more comfortable than the Mach 2. Ride quality, too, is on the stiffer side, and it tries and iron things out rather than take them into its stride. There's a 320mm disc up front, 230mm one at the back, and Bosch system for the dual channel ABS. advertisementI'm nitpicking here, but in my opinion, the footpegs should've been positioned slightly more forward, making for a more comfortable riding position. On the bright side, the performance is addictive. It still has the same 40bhp, 100Nm, 155kmph top speed and a claimed IDC range of 323km on the top-of-the-line Recon mode, which is the one we had. Rider's triangle is more comfortable than the Mach 2, but could've been better, in my opinion. The nature of delivery at the twist of the throttle makes one want to go harder, and although the weight (207kg) is on the heavier side, the sense of stability is fantastic. Three-digit speeds on the SuperStreet feel easy and comfortable. The front brakes also do a fantastic job, while the rear could do with more bite. I mostly found myself using the front brakes, which is also because the foot brake pedal is positioned higher than I would've wanted on a motorcycle of this sort. Overall, this bike is a hoot to ride, everyone you go it will grab eyeballs, and you'll more often find yourself blasting through traffic in 'Ballistic' isn't any price change for this update, which is how it should be. Still, Rs 4 lakh for an electric motorcycle seems like a stretch. Shift perspective and you'll realise it's not that bad a deal, considering EV-related savings of running costs and maintenance. This latest update is reassuring, Ultraviolette is looking to deliver a superior product and improve it periodcally. This small yet noticeable update to performance is another reminder that Ultraviolette is strong in its resolve to deliver a product that feels unique and special. It could do with a little more polish here and there, but the future is promising, and the sky's the limit, right?Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
