In April 2025, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin proposed using RISC-V architecture to improve Ethereum’s smart contract execution.
This proposal addresses existing bottlenecks in Ethereum’s ecosystem, potentially increasing efficiency by up to 100x and lowering costs, impacting scalability and growth significantly.
Vitalik Buterin Advocates EVM Replacement with RISC-V
Vitalik Buterin aims to replace the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with RISC-V architecture. RISC-V is known for its efficiency and flexibility, offering significant advantages over existing structures. The proposal targets Ethereum’s scalability issues and aims to improve smart contract execution efficiency.
Vitalik Buterin introduced this architectural change via the Ethereum Magicians forum. He confirmed the transition plan on Twitter with further discussions on its impact.
This plan would shift from EVM bytecode to RISC-V instructions to improve Ethereum’s overall functionality.
Community Response to Potential 100x Efficiency Gains
The shift to RISC-V could provide substantial efficiency gains, potentially making Ethereum more competitive. The Ethereum community has mixed reactions, with discussions ongoing about the potential benefits and challenges this proposal brings.
The proposed RISC-V implementation could improve the efficiency of zero-knowledge proofs, offering up to 100x better performance. Vitalik Buterin, Co-founder of Ethereum, stated, “Radical changes of this kind could be the only way to drive similar improvements for the execution layer.” These changes could lead to decreased gas costs and increased transaction throughput, fostering Ethereum’s economic competitiveness.
Architectural Shift Signals Major Evolution for Ethereum
This proposal marks one of Ethereum’s most significant architectural changes since its inception. The EVM’s widespread adoption makes the proposal noteworthy. Previous changes to Ethereum have also aimed to improve efficiency and scalability with varying results.
Experts from Kanalcoin suggest that RISC-V’s modular nature might resolve many existing bottlenecks. Data indicates such transitions can lead to improved technology adoption, though they emphasize the importance of a smooth transition to minimize disruption.
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