Recently, Vitalik explained two major upgrades planned for the Ethereum execution layer, and this is quite interesting to note.

The first is about the state tree. Currently, Ethereum uses a hexadecimal Keccak MPT structure, but it plans to switch to a more efficient binary tree structure. According to his explanation, this change could result in Merkle branches that are four times shorter, plus a proof efficiency increase of up to 3-100 times. This is no small feat when it comes to network optimization. Additionally, access costs to nearby storage slots will also be significantly reduced.

But what’s more intriguing is the long-term plan. Vitalik proposes gradually replacing the EVM with a RISC-V architecture. This isn’t an overnight change, but it will be implemented in three phases: first for precompiles, then allowing developers to deploy contracts with the new VM, and finally transforming the EVM itself into a smart contract based on the new VM.

Why is a transition from EVM to RISC-V necessary? The reasons are clear: higher execution efficiency, better compatibility for proof systems, and a simpler protocol design. From the perspective of developers and node operators, this means a smoother experience and lower overhead.

Overall, these two upgrades are designed to address Ethereum’s current main bottlenecks, improve network efficiency, and strengthen proof capabilities on the client side. They are a crucial foundation for Ethereum’s scalability in the future. So basically, Ethereum continues to evolve to become faster, more efficient, and more scalable.