Clutch & Current, Matter Aera Brings Gears To EVs

Abhijeet Singh
23 Jun 2025
07:00 AM
2 Min Read

With its 4-speed HyperShift transmission and strong software-driven architecture, Matter’s electric motorcycle brings mechanical engagement to clean commuting.


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Breaking convention is the bedrock for innovators. Matter from Ahmedabad has reimagined the electric motorcycle by pairing a manual gearbox with an electric drivetrain. The result is the Aera 5000/5000+, an 11.5 kW, liquid-cooled EV with a 5kWh battery and 4-speed HyperShift transmission. It has been aimed at urban riders who want the best of both engagement and efficiency. In a short ride through tight city traffic, the Aera excited us with how naturally the shifting experience integrates with the motor’s character.

Rides Great

While most electric two-wheelers follow a twist-and-go setup, the Aera breaks that convention with a 4-speed manual transmission paired with a clutch. It provides a mechanical feel while maintaining the seamless torque that EVs are known for. Within minutes, we found the shifts to be smooth and responsive. Gear selection didn’t feel forced, even in dense traffic, and the torque was always accessible.

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The gearbox genuinely adds flexibility in controlling acceleration. Also, you can choose a gear and leave it in that very gear all the time. The power delivery will change obviously, but depending on the situation you may mix and match the kind of response you want from the engine. You can even push a bit harder knocking through the gears whilst remembering the top speed is just 105 kmph as the gear ratios are short. A little bit more oomph from the motor and slightly wider gear ratios and this thing will be a formidable motorcycle.

Efficient Powertrain

The Matter Aera is powered by an 11.5 kW (about 15.4 bhp) motor and a 5kWh battery pack equipped with liquid cooling thermal management system branded as IITMS. The company claims it has a real-world range of 125 km. Now, this may not sound like much, but the inclusion of both normal (5-hour) and fast (2-hour) charging provides some flexibility for daily use. The IP67-rated battery is well-shielded for the upcoming monsoons, and the thermal performance appears well-managed, even in hotter riding conditions.

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Tech Features

A 7-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen serves as the digital instrument cluster, integrating ride statistics, gear indication, battery usage analytics, navigation and even accident detection alerts. As a safety feature you are not able to use the touchscreen while riding, then, you may use the bar-mounted switches to access all data metrics. Riders can access vehicle stats, trip planning, and geofencing functions via a dedicated mobile app. The system supports 4G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Features like park assist, predicted range, vehicle sharing, and over-the-air updates are all part of the standard package.

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The Aera 5000+ also offers a host of lifestyle conveniences such as music control, call alerts, auto indicators and passive keyless entry. And there is a 3-year/45,000 km standard warranty which is nice.

Design & Ergonomics

It is a good looking motorcycle, with a great set of colour choices. Sharp and purposeful, it integrates aerodynamic elements with everyday practicality. Ergonomically, the seating and controls feel well-judged for commutes, and the clutch and gear lever placement doesn’t require acclimatisation. There are a few fine-tuning parameters required for the rider triangle.

The chassis geometry keeps the ride composed over speed bumps and potholes, with a ride quality tuned for city scenarios. Dual disc brakes with single-channel ABS provide enough stopping power. But the system is not sharp, and occasional lock-ups did happen. We will need to ride it longer to offer a detailed opinion.

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By marrying a manual transmission with an electric powertrain, Matter has created a product that bridges familiarity with innovation. It is particularly suited for urban riders who want the illusion of control of gear shifts without the compromise of emissions or operational complexity. While long-term durability and service network depth will be critical to watch, the Aera 5000+ already feels like a benchmark in what an Indian EV start-up can achieve when it is bold.

Photography: Mohd Nasir

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