XRP Ledger’s EVM Sidechain Explodes with 1,400 Smart Contracts in Just 7 Days

Ripple's EVM sidechain isn't just live—it's thriving. The XRP Ledger extension smashed expectations with 1,400 smart contracts deployed in its debut week, signaling fierce developer demand for Ethereum compatibility without the gas-guzzling baggage.

Why TradFi should be sweating

While Wall Street still struggles with blockchain proofs-of-concept that go nowhere, this sidechain delivered real traction faster than a meme coin pumps and dumps. The contracts range from DeFi protocols to NFT platforms—all running at XRP's trademark sub-penny transaction costs.

The interoperability endgame

This isn't just a technical milestone—it's a direct challenge to Ethereum's dominance. By merging XRP's settlement speed with EVM's developer ecosystem, Ripple's playing chess while others play checkers. Though whether institutions will actually use these contracts (or just hoard the token) remains the billion-XRP question.

Modest user interactions

Although this level of contract activity suggests interest, the user adoption rate appears more measured.

Of the 1,211 new accounts created, over 80% were registered within the first two days of its launch, with subsequent days seeing only a handful of signups.

Meanwhile, active accounts have generally remained below 150 since launch, indicating limited day-to-day usage despite a promising developer start.

Nonetheless, market observers noted that the network, developed by Peersyst and built to bring Ethereum-style smart contract functionality to XRP Ledger, is already laying the groundwork for a broader decentralized ecosystem within the Ripple-linked blockchain.

XRPL’s EVM strength

From a technical standpoint, the XRPL EVM sidechain appears to be operating smoothly. The network has already processed over 1.12 million blocks with an average block time of just 5.66 seconds.

There were no pending transactions recorded in the most recent 30-minute period, suggesting high throughput and low congestion.

On the transaction front, the network has handled over 1,644 XRP transfers. A total of 539 transactions were processed in the last 24 hours, generating a cumulative fee of just 26.1 XRP.

Meanwhile, the average transaction cost is only 0.048 XRP, reinforcing the chain’s appeal as a low-cost, developer-friendly blockchain.

Overall, the XRPL EVM’s activity remains relatively modest compared to Ethereum or Solana. However, its low fees, efficient design, and growing contract base position it as a compelling option for builders exploring scalable smart contract infrastructure.