Ripple Deploys XRPL EVM Sidechain to Support Ethereum dApps

• Ripple added EVM support to XRPL so developers can use Ethereum tools like Solidity easily.
• The new sidechain allows quick and cheap smart contract transactions on the XRPL network.
• XRP price is now rising toward $2.28 after breaking out from a downtrend and gaining momentum.

Ripple has officially deployed the XRP Ledger’s Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain to the mainnet after years of development and testing with Peersyst and the wider XRPL community. This move enables developers to launch Ethereum-based decentralized applications (dApps) directly on the XRPL network. It also gives smart contract capabilities to XRP Ledger while maintaining its low-cost, high-speed infrastructure.

The XRPL EVM Sidechain introduces support for tools like Solidity, MetaMask, and Hardhat within XRP’s ecosystem. According to Ripple, developers can now build and deploy EVM-compatible applications that utilize XRP’s liquidity and payment rails. David Schwartz, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer and Co-creator of XRPL, said the sidechain allows new apps without altering XRPL’s core design.

“The XRPL EVM Sidechain introduces a flexible environment for developers to deploy EVM-based applications while maintaining a connection to the XRPL’s efficiency,” Schwartz said in Ripple’s announcement post.

Axelar and Squid Strengthen Multi-Chain Support

The XRPL EVM Sidechain connects to over 80 blockchains using Axelar, a bridge protocol that powers interoperability with high security. Axelar bridges XRP as the native gas asset into the sidechain, enabling seamless asset transfer. Additionally, Squid is integrated as the cross-chain transfer UI for XRP and the EVM sidechain.

Ripple noted that this development aligns with its long-term vision of a multi-chain future, where efficiency and interoperability work side-by-side. The blog post explained that, for over a decade, XRPL has evolved to meet the needs of institutions and developers, from facilitating asset transfers to ensuring compliance with global standards.

By embracing Ethereum compatibility, Ripple aims to support lending, tokenization, and payments on a blockchain optimized for scale and performance. Transactions on the EVM sidechain will feature lower gas fees and faster confirmation times than those on the traditional Ethereum network.

Developers Gain Access to Broader Toolsets

The launch opens up new opportunities for cross-chain interoperability and EVM-based app development on XRPL. Developers can tap into XRP’s deep liquidity while utilizing familiar Ethereum development frameworks. The ecosystem now supports new types of decentralized apps, including DeFi, NFTs, and payment-focused platforms.

According to Ripple, the EVM sidechain provides a quick and secure alternative for smart contract execution, offering a direct route to the XRP Ledger. The infrastructure enables light and inexpensive transactions, which aligns with developers who need to scale up.

This rollout bridges two significant blockchain groups, Ethereum and XRP, and introduces additional functionality to both without negatively impacting their performance. The move by Ripple removes the age-old trade-off between EVM and XRPL reliability.

Related: Dubai Launches Real Estate Tokenization Project on XRPL

Price Action Signals Response to Sidechain Rollout

As of press time, XRP was trading at $2.2170, approaching a key technical resistance level at $2.2861. This level marks the 50% Fibonacci retracement from a high of $2.6610 to the $1.9112 bottom. XRP had previously found support at $1.9112 on the lower bounds of a falling wedge, hinting at renewed bullish interest.

The SMA at $2.1817 serves as a support level for the ongoing uptrend. An arrow, reflecting bullish momentum, indicates a retest of the $2.66 level by bulls, once they’ve cleared $2.28.

Additional evidence suggests that gaining strength comes from the MACD. The MACD line at -0.0066 is above the signal line at -0.0210, indicating bullish momentum, and the rising green histogram bars confirm this trend. The XRPL EVM sidechain launch could be the central catalyst for the current technical setup surrounding XRP.

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