In the bustling streets of Hyderabad, where the hum of two-wheelers is as constant as the summer heat, MATTER Group unveiled a game-changer: the AERA 5000+, India’s first geared electric motorbike. Launched in a city that embodies the chaos and charm of Indian urban life, this isn’t just another EV—it’s a bridge between the soul-stirring roar of traditional petrol bikes and the silent efficiency of electric power. At the heart of this innovation is Kumar Prasad Telikepalli, the Founder and Group CTO of MATTER, a visionary who views motorcycles not as mere transport but as emotional anchors in riders’ lives.“When you talk to Kumar Prasad Telikepalli, the Founder and CTO of MATTER Group, you quickly realise that for him, bikes aren’t just machines—they are lifelines,” as one recent profile aptly captured.
“For many, a bike is not a hobby. It’s aspirational, yes, but it’s also emotional. It’s a daily need, an EMI they live with,” he says. This profound understanding of the Indian rider’s psyche—where a bike represents freedom, status, and survival—drove MATTER to reimagine electric two-wheelers. No longer confined to scooters or basic commuters, the AERA 5000+ delivers the geared experience that generations of enthusiasts have craved, now electrified for a sustainable future.
The AERA 5000+: A Motorbike First, EV Second
Kumar Prasad Telikepalli’s philosophy shines through in the AERA’s design: “a motorbike first, and then an e-bike.”Powered by a liquid-cooled 10kW (13.4 bhp) mid-mounted motor paired with an 11.5kW IP67-rated battery pack, it accelerates from 0-60 kmph in just six seconds, delivering a claimed real-world range of 125kmBut what sets it apart is the innovative 4-speed sequential gearbox—the first of its kind in an Indian electric motorcycle—combined with three riding modes (Eco, City, and Sport).
This unlocks 12 dynamic riding combinations, allowing riders to shift gears manually for that exhilarating control or cruise effortlessly in traffic without stalling.“Every Indian rider dreams of having a geared motorbike, and we wanted to bring that joy into the EV space. But at the same time, if you want a lazy ride in city traffic, you can just stick to one gear and the bike won’t stall. You get the best of both worlds,” Kumar explains.
The result is a bike that feels alive, with 520Nm of torque at the wheel, a trellis frame for stability, and alloy wheels wrapped in tubeless tires. Weighing around 140kg, it’s nimble yet robust, featuring a seven-inch touchscreen with 4G connectivity, onboard navigation, keyless operation, and a nine-axis IMU for enhanced safety. Priced competitively at ₹1.58 lakh for the AERA 5000 and ₹1.62 lakh for the 5000+ (ex-showroom, post-₹10,000 discount), it undercuts many rivals while offering premium touches like LED lighting and a bifunctional projector headlamp.
Deliveries kicked off in October 2024, with festive offers now live on platforms like Flipkart and Amazon India, making it more accessible during the 2025 season.Upcoming variants—the AERA 4000 and 6000+—promise even more options, with enhanced range and power by mid-2026.
Tackling India’s Heat: Liquid Cooling as a Lifesaver
In a country where temperatures routinely soar above 40°C, battery degradation is the Achilles’ heel of electric vehicles. MATTER addressed this head-on with liquid cooling for both the motor and the 5kWh lithium-ion battery, a feature Kumar insists was non-negotiable from “day zero.”
“In India, heat is the biggest killer of batteries. Unless you solve for thermals at the material level, you will always be in trouble,” he notes. This isn’t just an Indian fix—it’s a global one. “The AERA is not only for Indian roads but for the entire tropical world. Whether it’s Brazil, Indonesia, or Malaysia, these markets share the same hot, humid conditions,” Kumar adds The system’s efficiency ensures consistent performance, with fast-charging support (10-80% in under an hour via a 1kW onboard charger) and V2L (vehicle-to-load) capabilities for powering gadgets on the go. Early riders, like one Reddit user who clocked 91.6km in a single day around Khadakwasala dam, praise its reliability in real-world conditions
MATTER’s Vision: From Ahmedabad Startup to Global EV Leader
Founded in 2019 by Kumar Prasad Telikepalli and Mohal Lalbhai (CEO), MATTER Group started as an energy and EV tech startup in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Their vertically integrated approach—designing and building every critical component in-house—has yielded multiple patents and a modular platform that powers not just the AERA but cross-ecosystem solutions like energy storage.
Events like Tech Day 2.0 in February 2024 showcased the “AERATOMY”—a cutaway view of the bike’s innards—highlighting their commitment to “unapologetic products with no limitations.”
Today, with deliveries underway and expansions into Bengaluru and beyond, MATTER aims to become the world’s largest EV two-wheeler manufacturer.
Challenges like initial delays (pushed from Q1 2024 to festive 2024) were met with upgrades, including refined software for smoother gear shifts.
User feedback on X echoes this resilience: one owner shared, “M nh mera frnd le rha h… mere pass to Matter Aera 5000 Plus hai,” amid discussions on service networks.
Why the AERA Matters in India’s EV Revolution
ndia’s two-wheeler market, the world’s largest at over 17 million units annually, is shifting electric—EVs now claim 5% share, up from 1% in 2022. Yet, geared bikes hold emotional sway, especially among the 150 million daily commuters. The AERA 5000+ disrupts this by blending nostalgia with necessity, offering lower running costs (₹0.15/km vs. ₹2/km for petrol) and zero emissions without sacrificing the “thump” of gears.
For Kumar, it’s personal: “Innovation is in the DNA of our organization,” he told Issuu, emphasizing indigenous development for faster adaptation.
As MATTER scales, with plans for export to tropical markets and more variants, the AERA isn’t just a bike—it’s a blueprint for equitable, thrilling mobility.In a sea of silent EVs, the AERA 5000+ roars quietly, proving that progress doesn’t have to erase passion. As Kumar puts it, it’s for riders who live on two wheels—making every journey a lifeline worth cherishing.
