Ripple Executives Confirm XRPL EVM Sidechain Mainnet Release in Q2 2025

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain is set to launch on its mainnet in the second quarter of 2025. This marks a significant milestone for Ripple’s decentralized Layer 1 blockchain. Ripple executives, including Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz and Head of Product Management Jaazi Cooper, made the announcement during the Apex 2025 conference in Singapore.XRPL EVM Mainnet to Launch in Q2 2025Although the XRP Ledger supports native smart contracts, it currently does not support the EVM. The XRPL EVM sidechain aims to bridge this gap.For context, EVM compatibility refers to a blockchain or platform’s ability to support the execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) written for the Ethereum blockchain.The sidechain is being developed by Peersyst Technology. Moreover, Cosmos, Ripple, Common Prefix, Axelar, and Commons are also part of the development.  “EVM compatibility means integrating Ethereum’s rich development ecosystem with XRPL’s distinct features, like its high transaction speed and efficiency. This integration aims to expand the capabilities and reach of XRPL, rather than solely extolling Ethereum’s strengths,” Peersyst Technology wrote. The XRPL EVM is powered by XRP as its native token. It integrates smoothly with the XRPL mainnet via the Axelar bridge. Additionally, the sidechain offers high-speed transactions at significantly lower costs, boosting both efficiency and scalability. The upcoming mainnet launch follows a successful testnet that went live earlier this year. Notably, it has already demonstrated substantial activity. The blockchain development company noted an unprecedented participation of 87 new entities, most of which have no prior involvement with XRP. These entities are contributing to the ecosystem through infrastructure development, application creation, and demand generation. “XRPL EVM has become the most effective tool to onboard talent and projects into the XRP ecosystem. When mainnet goes live, all of it becomes part of the XRP ecosystem — possibly the biggest onboarding in XRP history,” the post read. The integration of EVM compatibility could expand the XRPL’s utility, attracting developers and users from the Ethereum ecosystem while enhancing the platform’s DeFi offerings. This development represents a critical step in Ripple’s ongoing efforts to strengthen XRPL’s position in the competitive blockchain space.