Electric vehicle manufacturer MATTER has officially launched the national rollout of its flagship product, the AERA geared electric motorcycle, across major Indian cities. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone for the Ahmedabad-based startup as it aims to revolutionize the country’s two-wheeler electric mobility landscape with India’s first electric motorcycle featuring a manual gearbox.
Nationwide Expansion Strategy
After a successful initial launch in select markets earlier this year, MATTER has now accelerated its distribution network to cover key metropolitan and tier-two cities across India. The company announced that the AERA will be available in 15 major cities by June 2025, with plans to expand to over 30 cities by the end of the year.
“Today represents a pivotal moment in MATTER’s journey as we begin the nationwide rollout of the AERA electric motorcycle,” said Mohal Lalbhai, Founder and CEO of MATTER, during the launch event in Bengaluru. “We’ve spent over four years developing a product that doesn’t compromise on the authentic motorcycling experience while embracing the advantages of electric propulsion. The response from our initial markets has been overwhelmingly positive, giving us the confidence to accelerate our expansion plans.”
Revolutionary Technology
The AERA stands out in India’s increasingly crowded electric two-wheeler market as the first production electric motorcycle to feature a 4-speed manual gearbox. This innovation addresses one of the primary concerns among traditional motorcycle enthusiasts about electric vehicles – the lack of engagement and riding experience that comes with manual transmission.
MATTER’s proprietary MatterDrive 1.0 technology integrates a manual gearbox with an electric powertrain, delivering both the performance benefits of electric propulsion and the engaging riding experience of a conventional motorcycle. The system allows riders to shift gears manually, optimizing the motor’s efficiency across various speed ranges and driving conditions.
Variant Lineup and Pricing
The AERA is available in three variants, each targeting different consumer segments:
| Variant | Battery Capacity | Range | Top Speed | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AERA 4000 | 4.5 kWh | 125 km | 105 km/h | ₹1,74,999 |
| AERA 5000 | 5.5 kWh | 155 km | 115 km/h | ₹1,94,999 |
| AERA 5000+ | 5.5 kWh | 155 km | 120 km/h | ₹2,14,999 |
All variants come equipped with MATTER’s liquid-cooled battery pack, which features advanced thermal management to maintain optimal operating temperatures in diverse Indian climate conditions. The company claims this technology significantly extends battery life and maintains consistent performance even in extreme weather.
Charging Infrastructure and Solutions
Acknowledging the challenges in India’s EV charging infrastructure, MATTER has implemented a multi-pronged approach to address potential range anxiety among customers:
“Our strategy includes both developing our own charging network and partnering with existing infrastructure providers,” explained Saran Babu, CTO of MATTER. “Additionally, we’ve engineered the AERA to be compatible with standard home power outlets, allowing users to charge their motorcycles overnight without requiring specialized equipment.”
The company has also introduced the MATTER Power Pack, a portable charging solution that can provide an emergency boost of up to 40 kilometers of range in just 30 minutes of charging.
Manufacturing and Production Capacity
MATTER’s manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad has been significantly expanded to meet the expected demand following the national rollout. The state-of-the-art plant now has an annual production capacity of 60,000 units, with plans to scale up to 200,000 units by 2027.
“We’ve invested over ₹500 crore in our manufacturing capabilities,” said Lalbhai. “The facility incorporates Industry 4.0 principles with high levels of automation and quality control. We’re confident in our ability to meet growing demand while maintaining the highest quality standards.”
Dealer Network and Customer Experience
MATTER has established a network of experience centers across target cities to provide potential customers with hands-on experience of the AERA’s unique features:
| Region | Current Dealerships | Planned by End of 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| North India | 8 | 22 |
| South India | 12 | 28 |
| East India | 5 | 15 |
| West India | 10 | 25 |
| Central India | 5 | 10 |
| Total | 40 | 100 |
These centers feature interactive displays explaining the technology behind the AERA, as well as test ride facilities and after-sales service departments. The company has also implemented a digital-first approach to sales, allowing customers to book test rides and purchase motorcycles through its website and mobile application.
Market Impact and Competition
The entry of MATTER’s AERA into the mainstream market potentially disrupts the current landscape dominated by electric scooters from companies like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and TVS. Industry analysts suggest that the AERA’s unique proposition of combining traditional motorcycling elements with electric technology could attract a different customer segment that has been hesitant to adopt electric two-wheelers.
“MATTER is targeting the enthusiast segment that has largely remained untapped by current electric offerings,” noted Ravi Bhatia, Director at automotive research firm JATO Dynamics India. “The manual gearbox and motorcycle form factor could potentially expand the overall market for electric two-wheelers rather than just competing for the existing customer base.”
Government Support and Policy Alignment
The national rollout of the AERA coincides with the Indian government’s push for electric mobility through the FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme and various state-level incentives. MATTER has confirmed that the AERA qualifies for subsidies under applicable government programs, further enhancing its value proposition for potential buyers.
“We’ve designed the AERA to align with national goals for sustainable mobility while also creating a product that stands on its merits,” said Lalbhai. “The support from various government initiatives certainly helps accelerate adoption, but our focus has been on creating a compelling product regardless of subsidies.”
Future Roadmap
Looking ahead, MATTER has outlined an ambitious product strategy that includes introducing more variants of the AERA and developing new electric vehicle platforms. The company has confirmed investments in research and development for next-generation battery technology and connected vehicle features.
“The AERA is just the beginning of our journey,” concluded Lalbhai. “Our vision extends beyond just building electric alternatives to conventional vehicles—we aim to redefine the future of mobility with products that offer superior performance, engage the rider, and contribute to a sustainable transportation ecosystem.”
As the national rollout progresses, industry watchers will be keenly observing whether MATTER’s innovative approach to electric motorcycles can successfully bridge the gap between traditional riding enthusiasts and the evolving electric mobility landscape.
FAQs
When will the MATTER AERA be available across all major Indian cities? The rollout will cover 15 major cities by June 2025 and expand to over 30 cities by year-end.
What makes the AERA different from other electric two-wheelers in India? It’s India’s first electric motorcycle featuring a 4-speed manual gearbox.
What is the price range for the MATTER AERA electric motorcycle? Prices range from ₹1,74,999 to ₹2,14,999 (ex-showroom) depending on the variant.
Does the AERA qualify for government subsidies under the FAME-II scheme? Yes, the AERA qualifies for applicable subsidies under government EV promotion programs.
Suneel Yadav is a passionate writer known for captivating stories that blend imagination and reality. Inspired by travel, history, and everyday moments, Pari crafts narratives that resonate deeply with readers.