- Matter Energy
- Matter Group
- Mohal Lalbhai
- Matter Aera
- Sheikh Mohammed Saad Bahwan
- OTE Group
- Takao Suzuki
- Innovation at Japan Airlines
- Japan Airlines & Translink Innovation Fund
- Vibhore Sharma
- Capital 2B
- Suprotik Basu
- Helena
Matter Group secures $35 million in ongoing investment round
- By MT Bureau
- July 04, 2024
Ahmedabad-headquartered EV tech and energy storage firm Matter Group has secured the first tranche of $35 million (INR 2.91 billion) in the current investment round.
The investment was led by Helena, a US-based global problem-solving organisation, which invested through its venture capital arm. Other notable investors include Capital 2B, Japan Airlines & Translink Innovation Fund, Saad Bahwan Investment Management Company (SB Invest), other Institutional investors and Family Offices.
The capital the company says will help accelerate its efforts to scale manufacturing, supply chain, marketing and retail to meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance mobility solutions.
Mohal Lalbhai, Founder & CEO, Matter Group said, “We at Matter welcome Helena and notable investors – including Capital 2B, Japan Airlines & Translink Innovation fund, SB Invest, other Institutional investors and family offices – with much excitement on this fascinating journey. We are dedicated to creating accessible, reliable, and high-performance products driven by our innovative technology. Leading this complex mobility transformation are over 600 Matter innovators, who keep riders at the forefront of our efforts.”
Suprotik Basu, Managing Partner, Helena added, "We believe it is an inevitability that transportation in this market will electrify, and India is the most exciting place in the world for that transition to materialise. The question is which team will be nimble, innovative and hardworking enough to seize this moment of transition. The Matter team has impressed us immensely with their approach towards value driven, high performance technology products. It has been wonderful to see the initial positive consumer traction, and strong progress from the company thus far. We are excited to deeply partner with Matter to reshape the electric vehicle landscape for India and for other emerging markets to address our shared global climate challenges.”
Vibhore Sharma, Partner, Capital 2B added, “We are thrilled to be a part of the growth trajectory of Matter Group and their vision of empowering mobility through breakthrough technology, prioritising performance, reliability, safety, and security as core principles. The team at Matter has successfully developed a unique blend of great performance and best value that is poised to transform the entire two-wheeler industry with their electric motorbikes.”
Takao Suzuki, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President – Innovation at Japan Airlines, "The Japan Airlines & Translink Innovation Fund is dedicated to fostering sustainable and innovative businesses through pioneering use of cutting-edge technologies and business collaborations in mobility, digital, ESG-related, and other fields. We are pleased to collaborate with Matter to explore the potential of MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service) by adding electric motorcycles and energy storage technology to JAL's new challenge through our investment in Matter Group.”
Sheikh Mohammed Saad Bahwan, MD, SB Invest and Director of OTE Group said, "At SB Invest, we believe in supporting transformative technologies that have the potential to make a global impact. Matter Group's vision and technological prowess makes them a standout player in the energy domain. We are proud to be part of their journey towards energy independence. Our commitment to empowering every individual through efficient mobility gets a clear direction through this association."
The EV company has developed its in-house, hyper-scalable technology stack, leveraging data, software and machine intelligence to create what it claims is India’s first 4-speed hyper-shift geared electric motorbike – Aera. The proprietary 5 KWh liquid-cooled battery and powertrain offer great performance and longevity. The e-motorcycle claims to offer over 125km range per charge, with a 5-amp onboard charging system. The Internet-enabled navigation, music, calls, and a 7-inch touchscreen provide information at the user’s fingertips.
Matter claims it has secured 40,000 pre-bookings for its Aera e-motorcycle, which is set to commence deliveries this festive season. It has also onboarded over 100 dealer partners who will be creating a first-of-its-kind retail experience, reinforced by the most innovative suppliers.
Vinfast Launches All-New VF MPV 7 For Indian Customers
- By MT Bureau
- April 15, 2026
VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of the global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has launched the all-new VF MPV 7 specifically for Indian buyers. Priced at INR 2,449,000 ex-showroom, this premium electric seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle is engineered to deliver the space and adaptability that Indian families prioritise. The launch represents VinFast’s third product debut in the country within a single year, highlighting the company’s determination to strengthen its presence in India’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle market.
Understanding that space is the top concern for multi-generational Indian households, the VF MPV 7 features a theatre style seating arrangement that ensures genuine comfort even in the third row. With a wheelbase measuring 2,840 mm, the vehicle comfortably accommodates seven passengers. Storage capacity reaches up to 1,240 litres, allowing ample room for luggage, daily necessities and various family lifestyle needs, making the vehicle practical for both routine commutes and longer journeys.
Powering the VF MPV 7 is a 60.13 kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers an ARAI-certified range of 517 km on a full charge. Fast charging capability can replenish the battery from 10 to 70 percent in just 30 minutes. The front wheel drive system produces 150 kW and 280 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from zero to 100 kmph in under 10 seconds. The exterior is finished with all-LED lighting, giving the vehicle a genuinely premium look inside and out.
A comprehensive ownership package accompanies the VF MPV 7, featuring three years of free maintenance, a 10-year battery warranty, a 7-year vehicle warranty, a 5-year suspension warranty, a 7-year paint warranty and 7-years of roadside assistance. This package offers best in segment assurance for customers. The VF MPV 7 joins the VF 6 and VF 7 in VinFast India’s expanding lineup. All models are locally assembled at the company’s factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, following a production philosophy of building vehicles in India for India.
Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “The all-new VF MPV 7 is VinFast’s third product for India and is most suited for customers with large families. It is designed to offer generous space for every member of the family, comfort that makes even the longest journeys feel effortless and intelligent features that elevate every single drive. With the VF MPV 7, we are entering a new segment, but more importantly, we are expanding our commitment to India.”
Nissan Unveils All-Electric JUKE At Vision Event
- By MT Bureau
- April 15, 2026
Nissan has introduced the all-electric version of its JUKE model during its Vision event held at its global headquarters in Japan, signalling a decisive move forward in the brand’s electrification push across Europe.
This first ever battery-powered JUKE brings the model’s signature agility and bold personality into the zero-emission era, reinterpreting a favourite compact crossover for European roads. Since its original debut in 2010, the JUKE has won over 1.5 million customers in Europe by challenging conventional design norms. The new EV retains that distinctive character while supporting Nissan’s broader commitment to offer an electrified powertrain for every type of buyer.
The all-electric JUKE will join an expanding European EV family that includes the new MICRA, the third generation LEAF, the Ariya crossover, the Townstar light commercial vehicle and a future A segment EV. It will also share with the LEAF the ability to use Vehicle to Grid technology, helping integrate EVs into the wider energy system. Alongside these models, Nissan continues to offer e‑POWER hybrid technology for an EV like driving experience without plugging in, with hybrids such as the Qashqai e‑POWER and JUKE HEV remaining key options for customers.
Production of the all new all electric JUKE will take place at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in UK, reinforcing that site’s importance to the company’s global EV strategy. The first trial production phase for the JUKE will begin in the coming weeks. This effort is backed by Nissan’s design, engineering and development network across UK, Spain and Germany, highlighting long-term investment in Europe as both a manufacturing and innovation hub. The new JUKE EV is scheduled for launch in spring 2027.
Massimiliano Messina, Chairman, Nissan AMIEO, said, “Europe is central to Nissan’s electrification strategy, and we remain firmly committed to a fully electric future. With a rapidly expanding EV line-up, we are bringing greater choice and innovation to every segment, powered by our strong design, engineering and manufacturing footprint in the region. Together, this next generation of vehicles will accelerate our transition to zero-emission mobility.”
Clíodhna Lyons, Region Vice President, Product, Brand & Marketing Strategy, Nissan AMIEO, said, “JUKE has always stood for bold design and a willingness to challenge convention. With this third generation, we are bringing that spirit into the electric age. As our first fully electric JUKE, it will help us reach new customers while expanding choice across our electrified range.”
Jakson Group Reports INR 90 Billion Revenue For FY2026, Enters E-3-Wheeler Segment
- By MT Bureau
- April 13, 2026
Jakson Group, a leading diesel genset manufacturer, has announced an expansion of its energy solutions range following a financial year where revenue exceeded INR 90 billion (GBP 850 million).
The Group has expanded its presence across five new categories – Genset Xtra, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Solar Kits, Mobile Light Towers and electric three-wheelers. This move is intended to broaden the company's presence across power generation, storage and sustainable transport.
The entry into electric mobility follows a partnership with a Bengaluru-based firm to develop research-backed three-wheelers. This adds a transport component to Jakson’s existing operations in solar power, green molecules and infrastructure engineering, procurement and construction (EPC).
Established in 1947, the group operates six manufacturing facilities and maintains a workforce of 3,500 employees serving approximately 100,000 customers.
Jakson Group is positioning itself as an integrated provider for the energy transition, moving from its origins in diesel generator manufacturing toward a diversified portfolio that includes alternative fuels and civil EPC services. With 12 international offices, the group is looking to align its domestic manufacturing scale with global energy requirements.
Sameer Gupta, Chairman, Jakson, said, “At Jakson, our mission has always been to power progress through innovation. With FY26 revenue of over INR 90 billion, Jakson today has both the scale and the responsibility to shape future-ready energy solutions. This portfolio expansion reflects our commitment to building an integrated energy ecosystem that is reliable, responsible and aligned with the evolving needs of customers in India and global markets.”
Sundeep Gupta, Vice-Chairman, Jakson, added, “The market today is looking for energy solutions that are efficient, dependable and future-ready. With this expanded portfolio, Jakson is strengthening its position as a diversified player serving evolving customer needs across sectors.”
Lloyds Metals And Energy Completes World-First Electric Conversion Of Liebherr Excavator
- By MT Bureau
- April 13, 2026
Lloyds Metals and Energy (LMEL) has completed the diesel-to-electric conversion of a Liebherr R996 excavator, marking the first time a mining machine in this category has been retrofitted for fully electric operations.
The project was executed by the company's internal engineering and technology teams and involved a redesign of the vehicle's power architecture and control systems. The shift to electric power is intended to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions associated with the machine's operation while reducing reliance on diesel fuel.
The engineering process included the development of proprietary digital monitoring and safety solutions to manage the high-power requirements of the heavy-duty excavator. By sourcing and engineering major subsystems within India, the project serves as a demonstration of domestic capability in advanced heavy engineering and sustainable industrial innovation.
LMEL expects the conversion to improve operational performance through the use of real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance.
Established in 1977, LMEL operates iron ore mines in Maharashtra and is expanding its integrated steel operations. The company currently produces 0.7 MTPA of direct reduced iron (DRI) and has commissioned a 4 MTPA pellet plant, with long-term plans to increase iron ore dispatch capacity to 26 MTPA. Its sustainability strategy includes the deployment of electric vehicle fleets and the construction of slurry pipelines to lower transport-related emissions.
B Prabhakaran, Managing Director, Lloyds Metals and Energy, said, “This landmark achievement, is not just about electrifying a machine – it is about reimagining the future of mining. At LMEL, we believe that responsible mining and sustainability must go hand in hand. This achievement demonstrates India’s capability to deliver world-class, zero-emission solutions in even the most complex and heavy-duty environments. We are proud to contribute to a future where mining is both productive and environmentally responsible.”

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