XRP Ledger’s EVM Sidechain Hits 1,400 Smart Contracts in First Week as Cross-Chain Adoption Surges

The XRP Ledger has taken a major leap toward multi-chain interoperability with the launch of its long-awaited EVM-compatible sidechain. Introduced on June 30, the sidechain allows Ethereum-based decentralized applications to operate within the XRPL ecosystem. In just the first seven days since its debut, developers deployed more than 1,400 smart contracts—a rapid start that signals strong developer interest in the network’s new capabilities.

Built collaboratively by Ripple and Peersyst Technology, the EVM sidechain combines the speed and cost-efficiency of the XRP Ledger with the flexibility of Ethereum’s smart contract infrastructure. It supports Ethereum-based tools such as Solidity, MetaMask, and Hardhat, while also benefiting from XRPL’s high throughput and low transaction costs. The sidechain clocks in with 3.4-second block times and can handle up to 1,000 transactions per second, using XRP as the native gas token.

The EVM compatibility marks a fundamental shift in how the XRP Ledger can be used. It expands Ripple’s ambitions beyond payments, enabling the creation of decentralized applications that incorporate features from both Ethereum and XRP environments. Early use cases expected to benefit from the sidechain include decentralized finance (DeFi), real-world asset tokenization, cross-chain payments, and crypto lending protocols.

In a post celebrating the mainnet release, Peersyst highlighted the overwhelming demand for smart contracts on XRPL. “The need for smart contracts on XRP is crystal clear,” the company stated, adding that 1,400 contract deployments on mainnet in the first week alone show just how ready developers are to build in this space.

This technical milestone also builds on Ripple’s broader push toward cross-chain functionality. Integrations with Wormhole and Axelar Network have positioned the XRP Ledger to play a central role in multi-chain application development. Wormhole, a prominent cross-chain messaging protocol, enables developers to connect dApps across various blockchains. Axelar, which facilitates secure cross-chain transactions, is reporting over $100 million in daily transaction volume—indicating strong and growing liquidity in multi-chain ecosystems.

The timing of the EVM sidechain’s release is noteworthy. It follows closely on the heels of XRPL version 2.5.0, signaling Ripple’s continued pace of innovation. By embedding Ethereum-compatible infrastructure directly into its ecosystem, Ripple is addressing one of the most significant limitations of the XRP Ledger—its lack of native smart contract support. This move helps XRP compete more directly with other Layer 1 ecosystems already supporting robust dApp environments.

The initial response from the validator community has also been positive. At the time of launch, 25 independent companies had already committed to running validator nodes for the new sidechain. This level of participation reflects a growing institutional interest in XRP’s evolving technical landscape and provides a strong backbone for the chain’s long-term reliability and decentralization.

From a strategic standpoint, Ripple’s latest upgrade reinforces its intention to make XRP more functional and widely used in real-world applications. The ability to port Ethereum-based smart contracts into XRPL without rewriting code will make it significantly easier for developers to migrate projects, especially in the realms of decentralized exchanges, automated market makers, and NFT platforms.

Furthermore, as institutions and developers seek alternatives to Ethereum’s high fees and scalability issues, XRP’s fast settlement speeds and low transaction costs make the EVM sidechain a practical alternative. XRP being used as gas on the sidechain also boosts demand for the token, further integrating it into the broader DeFi and dApp economy.

The integration of Ethereum compatibility doesn’t just expand the technological capabilities of XRPL—it also brings it closer to the heart of the multi-chain future. Developers can now create cross-chain decentralized applications that use the strengths of both XRPL and Ethereum. Whether it’s bridging liquidity between chains, enabling secure token swaps, or expanding the reach of DeFi products, this new sidechain lays the groundwork for broader adoption.

As Ripple continues to enhance the XRP Ledger with advanced capabilities and cross-chain functionality, this recent launch may prove to be a turning point. It not only answers the long-standing demand for smart contracts on XRPL but also opens the door to seamless interaction between blockchain networks—something the crypto industry is increasingly prioritizing.

With smart contracts already gaining traction and cross-chain infrastructure being built out rapidly, XRP Ledger is now firmly positioned in the race to support the next wave of decentralized applications.