VeChainThor, our layer one public blockchain, was incepted from the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) — the backbone of most smart contract platforms today.
When we launched our mainnet in 2018, we made intentional design choices to address certain shortcomings of Ethereum, in pursuit of our goal to deliver enterprise and real-world adoption.
Examples include:
Two-Token Model: Separating VET (utility) and VTHO (gas) to ensure predictable, adjustable network fees for enterprise users during times of market volatility.
Multi-Clause Transactions: Multiple data payloads executable a single transaction, significantly improving scalability, efficiency, and cost.
API-Based Integration: Instead of relying on JSON RPC, we opted to use APIs for more seamless integration with Web2 infrastructure.
These innovations allowed us to excel in our objectives, however, since that time, we recognise market expectations have evolved.
Alignment with the latest EVM versions, as well as JSON RPC, have become an expected element for apps or services looking to integrate with blockchains.
Accordingly, the core protocol team have made the upgrade and integration of these two components critical objectives for ‘VeChain Renaissance’, alongside the delivery of enhanced tokenomics and an updated consensus mechanism.
All told — these developments lead to tremendous potential for the future of VeChainThor.
EVM + JSON RPC — Keys to Accelerated Adoption
Our current EVM creates some restrictions:
Tool Compatibility: Many tools, wallets, and dApps opt for RPC-based standards, requiring adaptation to fully integrate into VeChain’s architecture.
Developer Onboarding: Builders accustomed to standard EVM chains must learn new methods to realize VeChain’s full potential, presenting a learning curve.
The qualities that set us apart — our tokenomics, fee delegation, multi-clause transactions make us incredibly attractive from an adoption perspective.
By updating our EVM to the latest version, and integrating JSON RPC, we deliver a robust, battle-tested environment for developers, enterprises, and community participants to build out their mainstream adoption aspirations.
Pillars of Technical Evolution
The VeChain Renaissance has two core pillars:
1. Reaching EVM Parity
Delivering full EVM compatibility via the latest EVM version ensures VeChain can seamlessly interact with the broader landscape of EVM-based networks. Once achieved, it becomes a key objective to continuously maintain the EVM version in line with the broader industry.
Where We Are: We are in the process of delivering the Shanghai upgrade, which significantly enhances VeChainThor’s capabilities by bringing us up to date with recent Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) advancements.
What’s Next: After Shanghai, we plan to develop and roll out the Cancun upgrade and subsequent EVM enhancements, ensuring VeChain remains competitive, modern, and attractive for developers building on EVM-compatible blockchains.
2. JSON RPC Integration
While APIs have anchored VeChain’s enterprise-grade integration, broadening our communication layer is key to enhancing interoperability
Why APIs Matter: APIs remain key to VeChain’s future success, especially with increasing interest in blockchain from Web2 enterprises that are accustomed to API-based solutions. This enterprise-friendly approach will continue to differentiate VeChain as blockchain adoption grows in the corporate world.
Why Add JSON RPC Support: At the same time, supporting RPC will enable seamless integration with Ethereum-native tools and wallets, like MetaMask, and unlock a wider range of development frameworks. This ensures that Web3 developers can work with VeChain using the familiar tools they already use.
Cross-Chain Interoperability and New Tools
We are moving toward a multi-chain future. EVM and RPC open many pathways to and from the VeChain ecosystem, allowing developers to add new tools and services.
Bridges: By integrating with existing, popular bridges, we connect VeChain assets to other prominent networks, opening up liquidity channels, as well as new utility, and global reach.
Stablecoins: Incorporating stablecoins, whether wrapped or native, becomes more feasible, fostering growth in financial applications, from DeFi products to cross-border payments.
Wallets, DeFi, Dapps and More: Integrations in all their forms become more seamless, from cross-chain protocols (eg. account abstraction, chain abstraction, oracles, IPFS, etc.) and more.
Strong Foundations Need Open Pathways
EVM alignment and JSON RPC integration — in tandem with the recently announced tokenomics and consensus upgrades - represent a paradigm shift for the trajectory of VeChainThor, greatly enhancing our capabilities and attractiveness as an ecosystem.
VeChain’s distinctive architecture has already proven itself as a catalyst for real-world adoption, enterprise integration, and sustainable ecosystem growth. We remain fully dedicated to refining our core strengths, ensuring that every design choice and technological advancement aligns with our fundamental mission: to deliver meaningful, long-term value to our stakeholders.
At the same time, we embrace interoperability as a powerful accelerant, forging stronger connections with the global Web3 community. By advancing EVM compatibility, integrating RPC support, and enabling bridges and stablecoins, we create an environment where opportunities flourish — whether you’re a developer migrating from another chain, an enterprise seeking robust solutions, or a community member eager to participate in VeChain’s continual evolution.
We stand at the intersection of our pioneering spirit and the world’s expanding blockchain landscape. By taking these bold steps to forge a new path forward, we ensure VeChain remains a pillar of innovation, collaboration, and mainstream adoption, well in to the future.
About VeChain
Founded in 2015, VeChain built a world leading enterprise smart contract platform, VeChainThor, helping deliver blockchain adoption apps to hundreds of enterprise partners.
Building on this expertise, VeChain, in close partnership with Boston Consulting Group, launched the ‘Better’ ecosystem — comprised of sustainability apps that use tokenization and incentivization to reward users, businesses and other stakeholders for sustainable actions.
To learn more, including how you can build apps of your own, grants, documentation and more, visit vechain.org — or vebetter.com to explore.
VeChain Renaissance: EVM, JSON RPC & The Future of VeChainThor was originally published in VeChain on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
