MATTER, an Ahmedabad-based electric mobility startup, presented its approach to software-led vehicle development at a closed-door leadership roundtable in the national capital.

The discussion, themed “Managing Digital Transformation in the Evolving Tech Era,” brought together founders, CTOs, and senior technology leaders from the automotive sector to examine how digital technologies are reshaping the industry.

Mohal Lalbhai, Founder and Group CEO of MATTER, said electric and software-driven technologies are changing vehicle development and the ownership experience. He outlined the company’s concept of AI-Defined Vehicles (AI.DV), which integrates software, sensors, and onboard systems through a centralised computing architecture. According to Lalbhai, this model enables continuous updates, reduces hardware complexity, and opens up new revenue streams after purchase.

The company’s electric motorcycle, AERA, was a key focus of the discussion. Positioned as a geared electric motorcycle, it is designed to combine traditional riding characteristics with electric and connected technologies. Lalbhai said the product was developed using a first-principles approach, with hardware forming the base for software integration.

MATTER develops its core technologies in-house, including motors, transmission systems, battery management systems, and connected vehicle platforms. Participants at the roundtable noted this vertically integrated approach.

The discussion also covered the role of industrial IoT, model-based design, and connected ecosystems in accelerating development cycles. Lalbhai said data-driven systems can enable predictive maintenance and adaptive vehicle performance.