peaq network (PEAQ) tokenomics

The PEAQ token is the native utility and governance asset of the peaq network, a Layer-1 blockchain specifically designed for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) and the Machine Economy. The tokenomics are structured to balance early adoption incentives with long-term network sustainability.

Issuance Mechanism

PEAQ has a maximum total supply of 4.2 billion tokens. The network utilizes a disinflationary economic model to manage supply expansion:

• Initial Inflation: The inflation rate starts at 3.5% to provide robust incentives for early participants, including collators and delegators.
• Disinflationary Schedule: This rate is designed to decrease by 10% annually.
• Terminal Inflation: The reduction continues until the inflation rate stabilizes at 1%.
• Governance Oversight: This model is subject to change via on-chain governance, allowing token holders to vote on future economic policy adjustments.

Allocation Mechanism

The initial distribution of PEAQ tokens was designed to support various stakeholders, from early investors to community members.

Usage and Incentive Mechanism

The PEAQ token serves four primary functions within the ecosystem:

1. Transaction Fees: PEAQ is the native currency used to pay for all network transactions, ensuring security and providing revenue for validators.
2. Staking and Security: The network uses a Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) consensus. Token holders can stake PEAQ to support validator nodes or delegate to existing validators to earn rewards.
3. Governance: Token holders will eventually have voting rights on key network updates, economic policies, and the distribution of ecosystem grants.
4. Machine Reputation (Future): Machine owners will be able to stake PEAQ on their devices as a "reputation proof." This stake acts as a guarantee of quality; if a machine fails to perform its intended service, the stake can be slashed.

Locking and Unlocking Mechanisms

The vesting and locking schedules vary significantly by allocation category to prevent sudden market saturation.

• Private & Pre-Launch Private Sales: These allocations typically feature a 6-month lock-up followed by an 18-month vesting period, with an initial 7.5% release after the lock-up expires.
• Seed & Pre-Seed Rounds: These rounds generally follow a 6-month lock-up and a 24-month vesting period, with a 5% release after the lock-up.
• Community Initiatives: These tokens have a 36-month vesting period but no initial lock-up.
• Launchpad/Community Sales: These have a shorter 6-month vesting period and no lock-up.

Unlocking Timeline

The liquid supply of PEAQ is projected to grow steadily through May 2028. Significant upcoming unlock events are scheduled for mid-2026.

By Q1 2025, the Community share represented the largest portion of the circulating supply at 53.4%, followed by the Treasury at 26.7% and Inflation rewards at 13.1%. The supply trajectory shows a sharpening of the unlock curve in mid-2025 before plateauing for several categories in early 2027.