The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has taken a major leap forward in blockchain interoperability with the official launch of its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain on mainnet. This milestone enables seamless integration of Ethereum-based decentralized applications (dapps) into the XRPL ecosystem, significantly expanding development opportunities and user access across chains.
Bridging Two Major Blockchain Worlds
The newly launched XRPL EVM Sidechain introduces full EVM compatibility while preserving the core strengths of the XRP Ledger—speed, scalability, and low transaction costs. Developers can now deploy their existing Ethereum smart contracts directly onto the sidechain without modification, opening the door to a new wave of cross-chain innovation.
By maintaining a secure bridge to the XRPL via Axelar’s interoperability protocol, the sidechain ensures that applications benefit from both Ethereum’s rich developer tooling and XRPL’s high-performance infrastructure. This hybrid approach eliminates the traditional trade-off between compatibility and efficiency.
👉 Discover how developers are building cross-chain dapps with next-gen tools
David Schwartz, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer and co-creator of XRPL, emphasized the strategic importance of this advancement:
“The XRPL EVM Sidechain introduces a flexible environment for developers to deploy EVM-based applications, while maintaining a connection to the XRPL’s efficiency. It extends the capabilities of the ecosystem without changing the fundamentals that make the XRPL reliable.”
How the XRPL EVM Sidechain Works
The sidechain operates as an independent blockchain running parallel to the XRP Ledger. It is connected through the Axelar Network, which facilitates secure cross-chain communication and asset transfers. This architecture allows for fast finality and low-latency interactions between chains.
One of the key design decisions was to use XRP as the native gas token for the EVM sidechain. This choice simplifies onboarding for existing XRPL users and strengthens economic alignment across the ecosystem. Developers pay gas fees in XRP, and wallet holders can interact with EVM-powered dapps using the same assets they already hold.
Additionally, the sidechain supports all standard Ethereum development tools, including MetaMask, Hardhat, and Remix. This means developers can leverage familiar workflows while gaining access to XRPL’s network of over 6 million wallet holders.
Future upgrades will include integration with Wormhole, another leading interoperability protocol. This multi-bridge strategy enhances redundancy, security, and reach, allowing institutional and retail developers alike to build robust multichain applications.
Unlocking New Use Cases Across DeFi and Payments
With EVM compatibility, the XRPL ecosystem becomes a fertile ground for decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), gaming, and real-world asset tokenization. Projects that previously relied solely on Ethereum or EVM-compatible chains like Polygon or Binance Smart Chain can now extend their reach into XRPL’s efficient payment rails.
For example:
- Cross-border DeFi protocols can leverage XRPL’s fast settlement (3-5 seconds) and low fees (<$0.01) to offer instant lending and trading experiences.
- Payment-focused dapps can combine stablecoins with XRP’s native payment channels for real-time global transactions.
- NFT marketplaces can mint assets using Ethereum tooling while enabling fast, low-cost transfers via XRPL.
This convergence of capabilities positions XRPL as a unique player in the multichain future—one that bridges high-throughput payments with rich smart contract functionality.
👉 Explore platforms supporting multichain dapp deployment today
Core Keywords Driving Adoption
To align with search intent and enhance SEO performance, the following core keywords have been naturally integrated throughout this article:
- XRP Ledger EVM Sidechain
- Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility
- decentralized applications (dapps)
- blockchain interoperability
- smart contracts on XRPL
- XRP as gas token
- cross-chain development
- Axelar bridge integration
These terms reflect growing user interest in multichain solutions, developer tooling, and scalable blockchain infrastructures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the XRPL EVM Sidechain?
A: It’s a parallel blockchain connected to the XRP Ledger that supports Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible smart contracts, allowing developers to deploy Ethereum-based dapps within the XRPL ecosystem.
Q: Do I need a new wallet to use the EVM sidechain?
A: No. You can use existing wallets like MetaMask by adding the XRPL EVM network configuration. Your XRP can be used for gas fees after bridging via Axelar.
Q: Is XRP now an ERC-20 token on this sidechain?
A: No. XRP remains native to the XRPL but is bridged to the sidechain as a wrapped asset to function as the gas token. The underlying consensus and tokenomics stay unchanged.
Q: How does this affect transaction speed and cost?
A: Transactions on the EVM sidechain are faster and cheaper than on Ethereum mainnet, with typical fees under $0.01 and settlement times around 3 seconds.
Q: Can I move assets between Ethereum and the XRPL EVM Sidechain?
A: Yes, through interoperability protocols like Axelar. Assets can be securely transferred across chains using trusted bridge mechanisms.
Q: What’s next for XRPL after the EVM launch?
A: Future plans include Wormhole integration, enhanced developer grants, and expanded support for institutional-grade DeFi and payment applications.
A Strategic Move for Developers and Users Alike
The launch of the XRPL EVM Sidechain marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the XRP ecosystem. By embracing EVM standards without sacrificing performance, Ripple has created a compelling alternative for developers seeking scalability without fragmentation.
For users, this means broader access to innovative dapps backed by one of the most efficient payment networks in crypto. For builders, it offers a powerful stack combining Ethereum’s maturity with XRPL’s speed and cost advantages.
As multichain usage becomes the norm, infrastructure like the XRPL EVM Sidechain will play a crucial role in shaping a more connected, functional web3 landscape.
👉 Start building on an EVM-compatible chain with high-speed settlement