Vivopower International Plc has announced a strategic initiative that will see its electric vehicle division, Tembo e-LV, begin accepting Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin for transactions with customers and partners. The company made this move in response to the complexities associated with traditional international wire transfers, which are often accompanied by significant fees and time delays, especially in emerging markets.
The introduction of RLUSD promises to streamline cross-border transactions, allowing them to be processed almost instantly and at a significantly lower cost compared to conventional banking methods. Furthermore, RLUSD is fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term Treasuries, and cash equivalents, providing a level of stability that is not typically available with other digital assets.
Tembo operates in diverse regions, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where businesses commonly experience hurdles in payment processing. By incorporating RLUSD, the subsidiary aims to offer smoother and more affordable transaction solutions, thereby alleviating financial barriers for key industries such as mining, logistics, and agriculture, which rely heavily on timely cross-border transfers.
The RLUSD stablecoin has been issued on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum networks, designed with a strong emphasis on compliance and transparency standards suitable for institutional use. Its structure facilitates rapid settlement, giving it a distinct edge in the fast-paced world of international finance. Notably, Ripple Labs, the issuer of RLUSD, has reported that the stablecoin’s market capitalization has increased more than tenfold since the beginning of 2025, illustrating a significant rise in institutional adoption.
This shift toward adopting RLUSD aligns closely with Vivopower’s broader strategy to transform into a digital asset-oriented firm, with a particular focus on XRP. The company has been actively developing a treasury model centered on its XRP holdings and equity in Ripple Labs, while also engaging in decentralized finance frameworks utilizing the XRP Ledger. By enabling Tembo to accept RLUSD, Vivopower is reinforcing its commitment to merge sustainable energy and mobility solutions with cutting-edge financial systems driven by blockchain technology.
Company executives see this decision as a way to enhance customer engagement while simultaneously reducing operational costs. By integrating into Ripple’s expanding stablecoin ecosystem, Vivopower anticipates strengthening its competitiveness across various markets, both established and emerging. Further, this integration underscores the company’s pledge to innovate beyond its electric vehicle core operations, positioning digital finance as a vital component of its growth strategy.
The utilization of stablecoins like RLUSD reflects a broader trend within the industry, as more organizations seek to utilize these assets to enhance transaction speed and reliability in cross-border commerce. Backed by traditional financial instruments, stablecoins serve as a bridge between conventional banking systems and decentralized finance platforms.
For Vivopower, accepting RLUSD is more than just a new payment method; it signifies a pivotal step toward embedding blockchain innovation within its operational framework. By aligning with Ripple’s stablecoin ecosystem, the company intends to establish a financial model that can adapt and grow alongside its sustainable vehicle initiatives, particularly in areas where traditional banking infrastructure is still underdeveloped.
