Peaq Network is redefining the way machines interact with blockchains. Designed specifically for decentralised physical infrastructure networks and real-world machine assets, Peaq offers a practical solution for developers and businesses aiming to integrate hardware into Web3.
Its architecture is built for scale, speed, and flexibility, with a focus on interoperability across ecosystems. As more machines become connected and economically active, Peaq positions itself as a key layer one chain optimised for this transformation.
What is Peaq Network?
Peaq Network is a purpose-built layer one blockchain developed by EoT Labs and launched as a Polkadot parachain in August 2023.
It is designed to power what is known as the machine economy, a growing sector where machines, vehicles, robots, and other devices operate economically and socially in decentralised systems.
Peaq is focused on enabling decentralised physical infrastructure networks and machine-based real-world assets to function on-chain with complete autonomy and ownership.
The chain supports key use cases such as peer-to-peer electric vehicle charging, machine ownership via NFTs, and decentralised mapping.
Its modular infrastructure is tailored to support machines as first-class citizens in the Web3 ecosystem. By providing a shared economic layer for these devices, Peaq is building a future where machines can not only share data but also transact and coordinate without intermediaries.
How Does Peaq Work?
Peaq runs on Polkadot’s shared security model and benefits from cross-chain messaging capabilities, allowing it to interact seamlessly with other chains in the Polkadot ecosystem. Its architecture supports 10,000 transactions per second with plans to scale to 100,000.
Transactions cost just $0.00025, making it ideal for high-volume, low-value machine interactions such as sensor readings or microtransactions.
One of Peaq’s core innovations is its modular framework for decentralised infrastructure. The chain provides developers with a suite of tools available through the Peaq SDK, allowing them to integrate machine functionality using as little as 15 lines of code.
These include Peaq ID, a self-sovereign identity system for devices; Peaq Access, a permission control tool; and Peaq Verify, which ensures data accuracy using oracles, private key signatures, and pattern recognition.
In addition, Peaq Pay enables machine-to-machine payments, which allows developers to build pay-per-use models or data marketplaces. This makes Peaq not just an infrastructure layer but also a programmable economic layer for autonomous agents and devices.
What Can Developers and Users Do With Peaq?
Peaq’s modular functions provide a wide range of possibilities for both developers and end users. For developers, the SDK simplifies the process of launching decentralised applications that interact with machines.
A builder could, for instance, configure a fleet of electric scooters with unique machine IDs, verify their data streams, control who can access them, and set up a payment model all on-chain.
For users, Peaq opens up new types of interactions. Through applications built on Peaq, users can participate in decentralised ride sharing, contribute mapping data from their vehicles in return for rewards, or even co-own physical infrastructure such as EV charging stations or weather sensors.
This model enables communities to govern and earn from physical assets directly, rather than relying on centralised operators.
Peaq is also integrating decentralised AI capabilities through its work on DePAI. This allows autonomous agents to make decisions based on data collected from machines and interact with other parts of the Web3 ecosystem, extending Peaq’s value beyond just IoT and into the future of agent-based economies.
The PEAQ Token
The native token of the network, PEAQ, is used for transactions, staking, and governance. With a total genesis supply of 4.2 billion tokens, around 3.5 billion are currently in circulation as of March 2025.
PEAQ is essential for all on-chain activity, including microtransactions between devices, staking to support network validators, and participating in governance decisions.
The staking mechanism secures the network through a validator and delegator model. Delegators choose which validators to support, and in doing so, have influence over block production. Misbehaving validators are penalised, ensuring accountability.
Stakers can expect an annual return of 10% to 15%, depending on network conditions, with a portion of transaction fees being burned to offset inflation.
The initial inflation rate was set at 3.5%, reducing by 10% annually until it stabilises at 1%. Governance participants can propose changes to the inflation model, giving the community ongoing control of the monetary policy.
Notably, staking rewards are linked to governance participation, ensuring that only active contributors benefit from network incentives.
Token distribution includes allocations for crowdloan participants, the team, investors, ecosystem growth, and treasury reserves.
While the project’s fully diluted valuation reached approximately $2.2 billion in November 2024, only 15% of tokens are circulating, which introduces challenges around inflation and unlock schedules in the near term.
Ecosystem Growth and Updates
Peaq’s ecosystem has grown rapidly. As of March 2025, more than 1.3 million machines and devices operate on the network, spanning over 45 decentralised applications.
Projects built on Peaq cover industries including transport, energy, telecommunications, smart cities, AI, and health.
In mobility, Peaq hosts platforms like NATIX for camera-based mapping, MapMetrics for drive-to-earn, and bloXmove for decentralised transport infrastructure.
In energy and utilities, it supports projects like Silencio, Wingbits, Arkreen, and ChargeXYZ. In telecommunications, Peaq works with networks like Wayru, Chirp, and Roam to create decentralised connectivity services.
Peaq is also expanding its enterprise reach. It was accepted into Mastercard’s Start Path programme in 2024, partnered with QuickNode for infrastructure services, and integrated USDT through Stargate.
The “Get Real” campaign brought over two million users and devices on-chain and incentivised activity with 210 million PEAQ tokens.
Its presence in the industry is growing through partnerships with Gaia-X and VDA for machine identity standards, and through participation in global events like ETHDenver’s RWA Day and the DePIN Dinner. Recent ecosystem activity includes a sold-out flash auction by xMaquinaDAO and $3 million in funding raised by Teneo Protocol.
Conclusion
Peaq Network is emerging as a strong contender for the base layer of the machine economy. By providing a purpose-built blockchain that is both scalable and affordable, Peaq enables real-world devices to operate autonomously and economically within Web3.
Its tools empower developers to build decentralised applications for a wide range of industries, and its token model encourages long-term participation and responsible governance.
With over 1.3 million devices onboarded, dozens of active dApps, and growing partnerships across sectors, Peaq is well-positioned to lead the decentralised physical infrastructure narrative.