Recently, Vitalik Buterin shared a quite interesting technical roadmap about the evolution of Ethereum execution. There are two major changes being considered for the execution layer, and both could fundamentally alter how Ethereum operates.

The first is about the state tree. Currently, Ethereum still uses a Keccak-based hexadecimal Merkle Patricia Trie, but Vitalik proposes switching to a more efficient binary structure (EIP-7864). This is not just a cosmetic change. With this binary tree, Merkle branches can be shortened up to 4 times, and more significantly, proof efficiency can improve between 3 to 100 times depending on the scenario. Plus, it also reduces access costs to adjacent storage slots.

But there's something even bigger on the horizon. Vitalik is considering replacing the EVM with a RISC-V architecture gradually. The reason is simple: RISC-V is more efficient for execution, more friendly for proof generation, and its design is cleaner. The transition will be carried out in three stages. First, RISC-V will be used for precompiles. Then, users can start running contracts on this new VM. Finally, the EVM will be converted into smart contracts running on RISC-V.

The goal is clear: to address Ethereum's main bottleneck, increase chain throughput, and strengthen proof capabilities at the client layer. These two upgrades, especially the shift to binary tree structures and RISC-V, will serve as a crucial foundation for Ethereum's future scaling. This is not about quick fixes but about building a more solid infrastructure for the long term.