Vitalik announces technical roadmap: the state tree will shift to a binary tree structure, and the EVM is planned to gradually be replaced by the RISC-V architecture.

CycleProphet · 2026-03-02T00:16:12+00:00

Vitalik Buterin posted on social media about two key upgrade plans for the Ethereum execution layer, namely state tree improvements and virtual machine transformations. The state tree will shift to a more efficient binary tree structure, expected to enhance proof efficiency. In the long-term plan, the EVM will gradually be replaced by the RISC-V architecture to improve execution efficiency and simplify protocol design. These upgrades aim to enhance the efficiency of the Ethereum network and lay the foundation for future scalability.

CycleProphet

2026-03-02 00:16:12

Abstract generation in progress

Deep Tide TechFlow News, March 2nd, Vitalik Buterin recently posted on social media detailing two key upgrade plans for Ethereum’s execution layer: state tree improvements and virtual machine transformations.

The state tree will shift from the current six-hex Keccak MPT to a binary tree structure based on more efficient hash functions (EIP-7864), expected to deliver four times shorter Merkle branches and 3-100 times higher proof efficiency, while also reducing access costs between adjacent storage slots.

In the long-term plan, Buterin proposes gradually replacing the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with a RISC-V architecture to achieve higher execution efficiency, better proof friendliness, and a simpler protocol design. This transition will be implemented in three steps: first for precompiles, then allowing users to deploy new VM contracts, and finally transforming EVM into smart contracts based on the new VM.

These upgrades aim to address major bottlenecks faced by Ethereum, improve network efficiency, and enhance client-side proof capabilities, laying the foundation for future scalability.

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