Ripple Is Rolling Out an EVM Sidechain for Its XRP Ledger

Ripple is set to usher in a new era for its XRP Ledger as it prepares for an EVM sidechain rollout in the second quarter of this year.

Ripple is preparing to launch an EVM sidechain for its XRP Ledger in Q2 2025, combining the best of Ethereum’s dynamic ecosystem with XRPL’s fast and low-cost transactions.

At the Apex 2025 event in Singapore, Ripple’s CTO, David Schwartz, confirmed this significant development, marking a strong move to interoperability.

The sidechain, built in collaboration with core developer Peersyst and using the evmOS software stack, is now operational on the testnet and will smoothly link with the main XRP Ledger through a secure bridge.

This integration relies exclusively on Axelar as the bridge provider, ensuring a smooth asset transfer, with wrapped XRP serving as the native gas token.

The new EVMs sidechain will enhance the features of the XRP Ledger. Connecting the native functions of XRPL with Ethereum’s smart contract platform, this sidechain will enable developers to launch Solidity-based dApps on a network that takes advantage of XRPL’s proven efficiency.

In the end, this shift evolves XRPL from a rapid payment network into a versatile platform that can accommodate a wider range of financial products.

The Q2 rollout of EVM compatibility is more than a technical upgrade; it’s a strategic move that positions the XRP Ledger to attract a vast new network of developers and businesses.

With the addition of Ethereum smart contract functionality, XRPL now opens its doors to a host of innovative projects in DeFi, NFTs, and other blockchain applications.

Early momentum on testnet indicates a strong interest from contributors outside the traditional XRP community, hinting at what could be one of the largest onboarding events in XRPL’s history.

In a rapidly changing digital finance landscape, bridging these two worlds solidifies Ripple’s commitment to revolutionizing asset management and cross-border transactions, heralding a promising and inclusive future for institutional investors and tech innovators alike.