Matter Motor plans new e-bikes positioned against 125cc–150cc rivals, eyes exports by 2026
Ahmedabad-based electric vehicle company
Matter Motor
is taking a unique approach in India's growing EV market by combining the familiar feel of petrol motorcycles with the electric technology. While electric scooters are becoming popular and roughly make up more than 6% of two-wheeler sales, electric motorcycles still haven't caught on in a big way. Battery-powered motorcycles account for less than 1% of the market. That's where Matter's Aera comes in.
In a conversation with TOI Auto, Matter Motor founder Mohal Lalbhai spoke about the thought process behind India's first
geared electric motorcycle
. He discussed why the company chose to bring back the gear experience in its flagship Aera model, how the brand plans to tap into the mass market, and what makes their EV approach different.
'When we started back in 2019, we really wanted to come down to what it meant for a motorcycle user,' Lalbhai explained, highlighting that traditional motorcycle riders, especially in rural areas, need precise control over power and torque. 'The gearbox came up as one of the most essential things,' he added, noting that on uneven roads and off-road terrains, gearboxes give better traction and responsiveness.
This approach contrasts sharply with the growing yet saturated electric scooter segment, which already stands at about 6% penetration in the two‑wheeler market. According to Lalbhai, 'the motorcycle segment is going to grow' as manufacturers begin launching electric bikes. He outlined Matter's expansive roadmap, confirming that the Aera (200cc equivalent) will be followed by 150cc and 125cc models, though the latter may use different technical platforms. 'And for us, the segments that we are seeing going to grow are between 125 to 200 cc,' Lalbhai noted.
Pricing remains a common barrier in the EV space, but Matter has tackled this with a bold strategy: full vertical integration. The Aera is priced at Rs 1.94 lakh, ex-showroom, which Lalbhai characterizes as 'quite competitive' when compared to petrol motorcycles of similar displacement. He explained that by avoiding external IP licensing - 'we didn't want to keep paying money towards IP… the biggest leakages of margins' - Matter develops its own hardware, electronics, and software, keeping costs under control.
In terms of manufacturing, Lalbhai confirmed that the Aera is '100 percent made in India' except for battery cells, magnets, and semiconductor chips. However, this local thrust includes precise component assembly, electronics integration, and final manufacturing. Matter also holds over 375 patent applications, with more than 70 grants, covering gearbox design, liquid cooling, proprietary charging systems, and more.
As for sales and customer convenience, Matter is building a three-pronged network: service, sales, and spares. Importantly, the company is integrating predictive maintenance tools into the Aera. 'We actually get to see how the bike is performing… If something is going wrong, we would be able to proactively reach out to the customer,' Lalbhai shared.
Looking beyond India, the company plans to export to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Eastern–Southern Europe next year, though India remains its focus for now. On expanding product lines, Lalbhai said they plan to explore delivery and cargo models around the 125cc equivalent segment in two to three years, aligning with growing demand for light commercial EVs. Accessories and apparel are also on the radar, with plans to support riders with protective gear and bike-specific clothing by early next year. But the immediate focus, Lalbhai said, remains on its core motorcycles and expanding the Aera's presence.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Kolkata metro railway using sustainable braking technology to reduce carbon emissions: Official
The Kolkata metro railway has started using a sustainable braking technology in its rakes, as part of its quest to reduce carbon emissions and save energy costs, an official said on Sunday. All the new rakes that are being introduced in the city's rapid transit system feature ' Regenerative Braking ', he said. "The technology allows a train's electric motors to operate in reverse (like a generator) during braking, leading to conversion of the train's kinetic energy back into electrical energy, rather than wasting it in the form of heating of wheels or brake shoes," a Metro Railway Kolkata spokesperson said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mini House for 60 sqm for Seniors with Toilet and Bath (Click Here) Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo At present, the Kolkata metro railway operates 37 rakes with regenerative braking features. "The total energy regenerated in the year 2024-25 - by usage of the system in 37 rakes - has been 1.08 crore units, which have saved around Rs 8.2 crore in energy cost," he said. Live Events Regenerative braking has reduced carbon emissions by 13,500 tonnes in the previous financial year, the official said. In a study conducted by Metro Railway Kolkata, it has been observed that 17-20 per cent regeneration of electricity is possible, he said. "This is a step forward for saving energy and reducing the use of fossil fuel. Urban metro systems like those in London, Tokyo and New York also use regenerative braking," the spokesperson said. "The unique advanced 'Regenerative Braking System' technology reduces wear and tear of brake, wheel, brake disc as well as maintenance costs," he said. In another green initiative, Metro Railway Kolkata has taken up the work of setting up a 4-MW 'Advanced Chemical Cell (ACC)' battery storage system, "which is the first of its kind in Indian Railways ". The batteries have arrived and the system is expected to be operational in the middle of July, 2025, he added.
Hindustan Times
24 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Did Barron Trump really make millions from family's cryptocurrency ventures? Here's the truth
Barron Trump, the 47th President's youngest son, may have made millions of dollars from the sale of cryptocurrency tokens connected to the family's successful foray into the digital token market, according to a new report. Barron Trump is listed as a "co-founder" of World Liberty Financial(AFP) According to Forbes, Barron, a 19-year-old student at New York University, could have received a handsome $40 million, or $25 million after taxes, through the sale of digital assets by World Liberty Financial. It is a firm owned by the Trump family that was established nine months ago after the First son convinced his father and elder brothers of the advantages of cryptocurrency. Following its launch, Trump stated in an interview last year that 'Barron knows so much about this (cryptocurrency).' 'Barron's a young guy, but he knows it — he talks about his wallet. He's got four wallets or something, and I'm saying, 'What is a wallet?'' What is World Liberty Financial? World Liberty Financial (WLF), a decentralized finance network that began operations in late 2024, is promoting its own coin $WLFI. The platform touts President Trump as its 'Chief Crypto Advocate,' and the Trump family owns 60% of the business and is eligible to receive 75% of token sales proceeds. World Liberty, which has helped Trump family to see surge in their finances, declared that it had sold $550 million worth of tokens in March. Last week, President Trump announced in an Office of Government Ethics report that he had earned $57 million from the sale of tokens. Additionally, it stated that the real estate tycoon owned 75% of his umbrella business, DT Marks Defi LLC, with the remaining 25% being owned by unidentified 'third parties.' Also Read: US warns its residents amid evacuation from Israel as Americans narrate harrowing ordeal; 'If given an option…' What is Barron Trump's position in the company? In addition to the Trump, Barron is identified as a "co-founder" of World Liberty Financial, along with the president's two other sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. Barron reportedly possessed a 7.5% share in the Delaware-based umbrella company, according to Forbes, which offered no concrete proof for its assertions of his enormous digital profit. According to Forbes, the share would be identical to what the NYU freshman owns in the hotel owned by the Trump Organization in Washington, DC. SEC filing did not mention Barron Trump's name However, the company's only SEC filing dated October 30 of last year did not include Barron's name. Middle East diplomat Steve Witkoff and his son Zachary are mentioned as corporate partners in the enterprise. According to a Bloomberg report, Trump's net wealth has quadrupled since the beginning of his 2024 campaign and it is estimated to be above $5.4 billion.
Indian Express
24 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Air India Dreamliner crash: Five ways families can claim compensation
The crash of Air India's Dreamliner on June 12 has brought renewed attention to the compensation available to the families of those who lost their lives. There are at least five avenues through which compensation can be claimed. Among them, compensation provided by Air India through its insurance coverage is mandatory. Additionally, the Tata Group has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs one crore to the next of kin of each victim. In addition, there are three other potential sources of compensation—travel insurance, life insurance, and debit card insurance—available to the victims' families, provided the deceased had active policies under these covers. The crash is likely to result in claims of around Rs 4,000 crore ($ 470 million), making it one of the largest insurance claims involving a plane accident, with suits for claims likely to be lodged in foreign jurisdictions as several foreign nationals died in the accident, insurance sources said. It's estimated that hull will cost around $ 80 million and engine $ 45 million for insurers and reinsurers. While total liability insurance claims for people died in the crash are likely to touch $ 350 million, the final amount can vary depending on the claims lodged and the jurisdiction involved. Air India compensation from insurers: As per the Montreal Convention treaty, Air India will have to pay a minimum compensation of around Rs 1.50 crore each to the kin of victims of the plane crash. Air India will get adequate compensation for the lost aircraft from insurance companies. While interim compensation may be announced by the airline, final compensation for passengers will be determined under the Montreal Convention of 1999, to which India became a signatory in 2009. Compensation is calculated using Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which stood at 128,821 SDRs (approximately USD 1.33 per SDR) as of October 2024. The actual payout will depend on the nature of claims and jurisdiction involved. Insurance sources said families can lodge claims in one of the several favourable jurisdictions like the carrier's domicile, place of ticket purchase and principal residence of the victim. It's learnt that the payout can change if Boeing or Air India was at fault. Sources don't rule out suits in other countries as nationals from Britain, Canada and Portugal died in the crash. Tata group compensation: In addition to the Air India insurance cover, the Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore each to the families of the deceased in the crash of Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad. According to the Tata group, families of those who died on the ground will be eligible for the Rs 1 crore compensation and the medical expenses of those who suffered injuries would also be covered by the company, while ensuring necessary care and support. Among those feared dead and sustained injuries in ground impact are doctors, students, hospital staff and residents from the Meghaninagar area, close to the airport. Life insurance: The next of kin of passengers who died in the plane crash can also claim money from the insurance company if the passenger had taken a life insurance policy. LIC and other insurers have announced faster claim disposal in the case of Dreamliner death victims. If the victim had a term insurance policy of Rs one crore, his family can claim the amount. Any bodily injury that the policyholder sustains solely and directly from the accident, independent of other causes, that results in the death of the person within 180 days is deemed as a case of accidental death, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance says. Meanwhile, adding an accidental death benefit rider is entirely optional when a person takes a life cover. It can be beneficial for people who travel frequently. The accidental death benefit payout is given to the nominee in addition to the death benefit from regular life insurance. The rider can be helpful in providing enhanced financial protection to families, it says. Travel insurance: The families of plane crash victims can also claim insurance if the passenger had taken a travel insurance policy. Insurance companies offer travel policies which include an accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefit that provides a lump-sum payment to the beneficiaries in the event of the insured's death or dismemberment as a result of an accident during the trip, including air travel accidents. Several flights cancellations and delays have happened in the wake of the Dreamliner crash and the Iran-Israel war of late. 'Travel Insurance covers the expenses incurred for the time duration that you spend waiting for the flight. One gets reimbursement for the meals, refreshments and essential purchases depending upon the Sum Insured and policy coverage schedule. For flight cancellation, usually the cancellation has to be due to a valid reason such as weather disturbances, terrorism activity or natural disaster,' HDFC Ergo says in its explanatory note. Card insurance: Family members of persons who lost their lives in the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash can also claim insurance on some of the eligible debit cards owned by the deceased. Some banks provide complimentary personal air accident insurance cover in case of death on eligible debit cards. However, the insurance cover varies based on the category of the debit card owned by the holder. The catch is that there are several riders like the usage of card and one transaction in preceding 30 days for making a claim, which may not ultimately benefit the cardholder.
