XRP Ledger’s EVM Sidechain Attracts 1,400 Smart Contracts in First Week

• XRP Ledger launched its EVM-compatible sidechain on June 30, and developers deployed nearly 1,400 smart contracts in the first week.

• The platform processes up to 1,000 transactions per second with 3.4-second block times while using XRP for gas fees.

• Twenty-five independent companies run validator nodes, and the network supports cross-chain applications through partnerships with Wormhole and Axelar Network.

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible sidechain on June 30. The new infrastructure has demonstrated immediate market appeal, recording nearly 1,400 smart contract deployments within its inaugural week of operation.

Paul Barron reported via X that developers have rapidly embraced the platform, pushing over 1,400 smart contracts onto the XRPL’s EVM sidechain. This surge indicates strong developer interest in leveraging XRPL’s fast transaction speeds and low-cost structure for blockchain applications.

Technical Specifications Drive Developer Adoption

The EVM sidechain, developed through a collaboration between Peersyst and Ripple, integrates seamlessly with established Ethereum development tools. Developers can utilize familiar frameworks, including Solidity, MetaMask, and Hardhat, without requiring extensive code modifications.

The platform delivers impressive performance metrics with 3.4-second block times and capacity for up to 1,000 transactions per second. Gas fees are paid using XRP tokens, creating a direct utility for the native cryptocurrency. This technical foundation combines Ethereum’s development flexibility with XRPL’s operational efficiency.

The sidechain launch followed closely after the release of XRPL version 2.5.0, demonstrating Ripple’s commitment to continuous platform enhancement. Cross-chain functionality represents a key advantage, enabling developers to create applications that bridge the Ethereum and XRP ecosystems.

Expanding Cross-Chain Capabilities

Ripple’s strategic focus extends beyond isolated blockchain functionality toward comprehensive cross-chain integration. The XRP Ledger has established connectivity with Wormhole, a prominent multi-chain messaging protocol, enabling developers to build applications spanning multiple blockchain networks.

This expansion enhances XRPL’s utility in emerging sectors, including real-world asset tokenization and cross-chain payment solutions. Axelar Network, the connecting partner for XRPL integration, has recorded over $100 million in daily cross-chain transactions, indicating substantial liquidity flow into the XRP ecosystem.

Peersyst Technology emphasized the market demand in their official statement: “The need for smart contracts on XRP is crystal clear. Almost 1,400 contracts on mainnet in just one week, it’s just Day 1.”

The EVM sidechain launch has garnered institutional support through its validator network. Twenty-five independent companies operate nodes at launch, signaling growing institutional confidence in XRPL’s evolving infrastructure.

This development represents a strategic advancement for Ripple’s broader objectives of increasing XRP’s real-world utility and expanding the XRP Ledger’s applications beyond traditional payment processing. The integration opens new possibilities for decentralized finance applications, tokenization projects, lending protocols, and payment solutions within the XRP ecosystem.