RLUSD Accepted for EV Payments: VivoPower’s Tembo Embraces Stablecoin Revolution
The electric vehicle sector has reached another milestone in cryptocurrency adoption. VivoPower International PLC announced that its electric vehicle subsidiary, Tembo e-LV, accepts payments from customers and partners in RLUSD, the stablecoin established by Ripple Labs. This groundbreaking development positions Tembo among the first global vehicle companies to integrate Ripple’s stablecoin technology.
Tembo operates globally across markets, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The company’s decision to embrace RLUSD payments reflects the growing demand for efficient cross-border transaction solutions in emerging markets. Traditional wire transfers often create bottlenecks for international customers, particularly in developing nations with limited banking infrastructure.
RLUSD Stablecoin Powers Efficient Global Transactions
RLUSD, a stablecoin issued by Ripple Labs, is designed for real-world payments. It is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar and is fully backed by USD deposits, short-term U.S. Treasuries, and other cash equivalents. This backing structure ensures price stability while enabling near-instant settlements across international borders.
The stablecoin operates natively on both XRP Ledger and Ethereum blockchains. This dual-chain approach provides flexibility for users while maintaining the security and compliance standards required for institutional adoption. RLUSD’s coin market capitalization has increased 10-fold since the start of the calendar year 2025, with increasing adoption around the world.
For VivoPower’s customers, RLUSD integration eliminates the lengthy processing times associated with traditional banking. International wire transfers typically require several business days to clear, while RLUSD transactions settle within minutes. This speed advantage becomes critical when coordinating supply chains and customer deliveries across multiple countries.
Tembo Electric Vehicle Payments Transform International Commerce
As a business that operates globally across developed and developing nations, Tembo has been seeking practical solutions to real-life challenges that affect conventional international wire transfers, including lead time and high transaction costs. The adoption of RLUSD addresses these pain points directly.
Traditional cross-border payments involve multiple intermediary banks, each charging fees and adding processing delays. These costs accumulate quickly, especially for high-value transactions like vehicle purchases. RLUSD bypasses this complex network by settling directly on blockchain infrastructure.
The cost savings prove particularly significant for customers in developing markets. Banking fees often represent a substantial percentage of transaction values in regions with limited financial infrastructure. RLUSD payments reduce these fees to a fraction of traditional costs while ensuring transactions complete reliably.
VivoPower RLUSD Integration Strengthens Digital Asset Strategy
VivoPower International PLC is undergoing a strategic transformation into the world’s first XRP-focused digital asset enterprise. The company’s embrace of RLUSD payments aligns with this broader vision of blockchain integration across business operations.
This strategic direction extends beyond simple payment acceptance. The Company’s new direction centers on the acquisition, management, and long-term holding of XRP digital assets, including via Ripple Labs equity as part of a diversified digital treasury strategy. By implementing RLUSD payments, VivoPower demonstrates practical applications for blockchain technology in vehicle commerce.
The integration also supports VivoPower’s sustainability goals. Electric vehicles represent one component of environmental responsibility, while blockchain payments eliminate paper-based processes and reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional banking operations.
Electric Vehicle Cryptocurrency Adoption Accelerates Market Growth
The automotive industry has historically been conservative regarding financial innovation. VivoPower’s RLUSD adoption signals a shift toward embracing cryptocurrency solutions that solve real business problems. This move could inspire other vehicle manufacturers to explore similar integrations.
Accepting RLUSD will help VivoPower improve efficiency, reduce costs, support innovation, and expand treasury options. These benefits create competitive advantages that could influence industry-wide adoption patterns. Companies operating in emerging markets face similar challenges with cross-border payments, making RLUSD integration attractive for global businesses.
The timing aligns with broader cryptocurrency acceptance trends. Financial institutions, payment processors, and technology companies have gradually integrated digital asset solutions. The automotive sector’s participation represents another step toward mainstream blockchain adoption.
Conclusion
VivoPower’s decision to accept RLUSD payments through its Tembo subsidiary marks a significant advancement in cryptocurrency utility. The integration addresses genuine business challenges while positioning the company at the forefront of financial innovation in the electric vehicle sector. As RLUSD adoption continues expanding globally, this partnership demonstrates how blockchain technology can enhance international commerce efficiency.
