Vitalik Buterin proposes main Ethereum execution layer modifications, together with binary state timber and a potential shift from EVM to RISC-V.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed a significant overhaul of the community’s execution layer as a part of its scaling roadmap.
The plan targets bottlenecks in proving and execution, specializing in structural updates. Key proposals embrace shifting to a binary state tree and doubtlessly changing the EVM with RISC V structure.
Binary State Tree Proposal
The roadmap consists of EIP 7864, which replaces the present hexary Merkle Patricia Tree. The brand new design makes use of a binary tree and a extra environment friendly hash operate.
Builders together with Guillaume Ballet have labored on the proposal. The binary construction reduces Merkle department sizes.
Shorter branches decrease bandwidth wants for verification. This could cut back prices for gentle purchasers and personal data retrieval techniques.
Now, execution layer modifications. I’ve already talked about account abstraction, multidimensional fuel, BALs, and ZK-EVMs.
I’ve additionally talked right here a few short-term EVM improve that I feel can be super-valuable: a vectorized math precompile (mainly, do 32-bit or doubtlessly…
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) March 1, 2026
Buterin said that branches might develop into 4 occasions shorter. This is able to make shopper facet verification extra viable. It could additionally enhance zero information proof effectivity.
The proposal additionally considers altering the hash operate. Choices embrace Blake3 or a Poseidon variant.
Blake3 might provide reasonable pace good points, whereas Poseidon might enhance prover efficiency additional.
The proposal teams storage slots into pages of 64 to 256 slots, which can cut back fuel prices for contracts accessing adjoining storage.
Many purposes regularly use early storage slots, and this construction might decrease execution prices.
The binary tree additionally reduces entry depth variance, simplifies the mannequin, and helps future state expiry metadata.
Proposed Digital Machine Shift
The second a part of the proposal considerations the Ethereum Digital Machine. Buterin mentioned changing the EVM with a RISC V based mostly digital machine.
This modification is described as long term and non consensus at current. He argued that protocol complexity has elevated over time.
Some builders keep away from utilizing the EVM attributable to perceived constraints. He said {that a} new VM might restore simplicity and generality.
RISC V is an open commonplace instruction set structure. Provers are sometimes written in RISC V as we speak. Aligning the protocol VM with prover environments might enhance effectivity.
Buterin stated a RISC V interpreter might be compact. He described it as only some hundred traces of code. He said that that is how a blockchain VM ought to really feel.
The proposal additionally goals to scale back reliance on precompiles. A extra environment friendly VM might make many precompiles pointless. This might streamline protocol guidelines and cut back particular circumstances.
Shopper facet proving is one other focus. Customers might generate proofs about contract calls domestically. This aligns with broader zero information integration plans.
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Phased Deployment Roadmap
The proposal outlines a gradual transition path. Step one would permit the brand new VM for precompiles solely.
Many present precompiles might develop into code operating inside the brand new VM. The second section would let customers deploy contracts instantly within the new VM.
This is able to function alongside the present EVM. Builders might select their most well-liked atmosphere.
The ultimate section would retire the EVM. The EVM itself might run as a wise contract inside the new VM.
This strategy goals to take care of backward compatibility. Fuel prices might change in the course of the transition.
Nevertheless, the roadmap suggests broader scaling efforts might offset these results. The main focus stays on effectivity and cleaner design.
Buterin said that Ethereum would operate with incremental upgrades alone. Nevertheless, he introduced the overhaul as a structural enchancment.
The proposal frames the execution layer as central to future scalability. The roadmap connects state tree reform and VM substitute.
Each goal proving effectivity and shopper facet use circumstances. The proposal now enters broader dialogue inside the Ethereum group.