Sometimes, new ideas in crypto change everything. XRPL EVM is one of them. Let’s break down what it is and why it’s already shaping the future of DeFi.
What Is XRPL?
XRPL (XRP Ledger) is a fast, reliable, and decentralized blockchain that powers XRP - one of the oldest and most recognized tokens in the crypto world. XRP currently ranks fourth by market cap and has long proven itself as an ideal solution for international transfers and instant settlements. But today, the classic features of the token are no longer enough. Users want more: stablecoins, decentralized apps, NFTs, smart contracts, and cross-chain functionality. That’s why the XRPL ecosystem introduced the EVM sidechain - a bridge between the world of XRP and the Ethereum universe.
What Is the XRPL EVM Sidechain?
The XRPL EVM Sidechain is a special “side” blockchain connected to the main XRP Ledger (XRPL) that brings Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) support to the XRP ecosystem. In simple terms, it lets developers run Ethereum-compatible smart contracts and decentralized apps (DApps) - but with all the speed, security, and low fees that XRPL is known for. The native token of the XRPL EVM network remains XRP, which is used to pay fees and interact with DApps within the sidechain.
The XRPL EVM network is already showing strong growth: since its launch, it has processed over 28 million transactions, and daily activity exceeds 570,000 operations. These numbers are not just statistics, but clear proof that XRPL EVM is not just an upgrade - it’s a revolutionary step forward.
XRPL EVM activity. Source: explorer.testnet.xrplevm.org
XRPL EVM Key Features
Let’s take a look at what makes the XRPL EVM Sidechain truly special.
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Full Ethereum Compatibility: XRPL EVM is supports the Ethereum ecosystem. Developers can use familiar tools like Solidity (a programming language used to write smart contracts) and ERC20 standards without rewriting code. Everything works right out of the box, making it easy for Ethereum projects to move into the XRPL ecosystem.
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Ultra-Low Fees: Even during peak usage, transaction fees on XRPL EVM stay below $0.01. That’s a huge contrast to Ethereum, where fees can spike to several dollars depending on network congestion.
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High Speed and Fast Finality: Transactions on XRPL EVM are processed fast - blocks are created every 3-5 seconds, and the network can handle over 1,000 transactions per second. You don’t need to wait minutes for confirmation - your transaction is final within seconds.
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Reliable Proof of Authority Consensus: XRPL EVM uses a Proof of Authority (PoA) model where selected, trusted validators confirm blocks - not thousands of anonymous miners like in Bitcoin or Ethereum. This makes the network faster, more predictable, and easier to scale.
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Built on Cosmos SDK: XRPL EVM is powered by Cosmos SDK - the same tech behind Osmosis, Cosmos Hub, and Injective. That means it can “speak” directly with other Cosmos networks, sending tokens and data seamlessly. This makes XRPL EVM a true bridge between XRP, Ethereum, and Cosmos - combining the best of all three worlds.
XRP and Ethereum Integration: Why It’s Important For The Future of DeFi
Bringing Ethereum’s capabilities into the XRP Ledger through the EVM sidechain is a major milestone - not just for XRP holders, but for the entire blockchain industry. It blurs the lines between two powerful ecosystems and allows them to share value and functionality. Here’s why this matters:
A New Role for XRP
XRP was mainly used for payments and transfers. Now, it becomes a full player in the world of decentralized finance. You can use it as collateral in DeFi protocols, stake it, trade it on decentralized exchanges, join farming strategies, and even use it to pay gas fees on the EVM sidechain.
More Users and Liquidity for Ethereum
With the launch of XRPL EVM Sidechain, Ethereum gets access to a huge new audience - over 6 million wallets on XRP Ledger - and a large amount of XRP liquidity. This creates new opportunities for DeFi protocols where XRP can be paired with ETH or stablecoins.
Stablecoins and Borderless Payments
The network merge makes it easier to launch and use stablecoins (like USDT, USDC) in the XRP ecosystem. You can use USDC directly within XRPL EVM for DeFi, or send it instantly through the XRP Ledger - fast, cheap, and without intermediaries. That’s perfect for global remittances and everyday payments.
More Possibilities for NFTs
XRPL now has its own NFT standard, and with EVM integration, it becomes compatible with Ethereum-based NFTs too. This opens the door to NFT marketplaces where assets from both networks can be traded - and XRP can be used for payments.
Getting Started With XRPL EVM Sidechain
Here’s a simple guide to help you take your first steps with XRPL EVM, get oriented, and start using this technology with confidence.
Set Up XRPL EVM Wallet
First, download a wallet that supports XRPL EVM. An excellent option is XRPL EVM Wallet. It’s reliable, private, and gives you full control over your tokens thanks to its self-custody architecture. No one but you has access to your crypto wallet - everything is stored by you, with no intermediaries.
How to Acquire XRP
Next, fund your wallet. You can receive tokens from friends, transfer from an exchange, or simply purchase them directly in the app using a credit card. The wallet supports XRP and many compatible tokens like USDT (EVM-Compatible), WBTC (Wrapped Bitcoin), and more.
Swap XRP
Once you’re set up, you can start swapping. It only takes a couple of taps - for example, swap RLUSD (ERC20) for WXRP (wrapped XRP), or the other way around. Everything happens right in the wallet within minutes. Each action on XRPL EVM requires a small amount of XRP to cover transaction fees.
The XRPL EVM Sidechain clearly shows how blockchains can grow not in isolation, but by empowering each other. And with Gem Wallet, you can easily tap into this revolution - and become part of it.
