Vitalik Buterin Proposes Replacing EVM with RISC-V in Ethereum

Ethereum, the world’s second-largest blockchain by market cap, could be on the cusp of a transformative change. Co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently outlined a proposal to replace the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) bytecode with the RISC-V instruction set, a move that could reshape how the network processes smart contracts. This shift would not alter core functionalities like accounts or storage but would fundamentally change how contract code is compiled and executed. Developers would transition from compiling languages like Solidity to EVM bytecode to targeting RISC-V directly, with system operations such as SLOAD or CALL restructured as syscalls rather than traditional opcodes.

The proposal arrives at a critical moment for Ethereum, as the network grapples with declining base-layer activity and revenue. Data from Token Terminal and Santiment indicates a sharp drop in transaction fees, which averaged just $0.16 in April 2025, the lowest since 2020. In the week of March 30, Ethereum collected a mere 3.18 ETH in blob fees, equivalent to roughly $5,000. This decline is attributed to a growing reliance on layer-2 networks and contract calls, which have shifted activity away from the mainnet. Analysts warn that this trend could undermine Ether’s value, with some projecting a potential drop to $1,100 if base-layer usage continues to wane.

Efficiency and Future-Proofing Ethereum

Buterin’s RISC-V proposal aims to address these challenges by enhancing efficiency and positioning Ethereum for long-term competitiveness. Many zero-knowledge (ZK) provers already translate EVM operations into RISC-V for simulation, and a native switch could yield up to 100x improvements in efficiency while simplifying proof generation. To ensure continuity, Ethereum plans to support existing EVM-based contracts alongside new RISC-V contracts. This could involve running a RISC-V interpreter for older bytecode or maintaining parallel systems within the protocol. Over time, this flexibility might enable Ethereum to integrate other virtual machines, such as Move, further broadening its capabilities.

The timing of the proposal aligns with Ethereum’s upcoming “Pectra” upgrade, scheduled for May 7, 2025. Pectra is set to enhance scalability, improve user experience, and adjust validator limits. However, Buterin argues that the execution layer requires a more fundamental overhaul to keep pace with advancements in the consensus layer. By adopting RISC-V, Ethereum could streamline its operations and maintain its edge against competitors such as Solana, which recently overtook Ethereum in total staking market value.

Concerns about Ethereum’s declining remain a focal point for developers and investors alike. The RISC-V proposal represents a strategic effort to bolster the network’s performance and sustainability. While the transition poses technical challenges, Buterin’s vision underscores Ethereum’s commitment to innovation.