What is the future of electrical engineering in 2025?

The future of electrical engineering is bright, and its influence on industries like automotive, energy, and wearable technology is growing exponentially. 

At AtkinsRéalis, electrical engineers are at the forefront of pioneering solutions that drive innovation across industries, from advancing sustainable energy systems to revolutionizing automotive technologies, all while helping shape a greener and more connected future. 

Here, we discuss the key trends that will shape the future of electrical engineering and the modern world. 

A larger influence on the automotive industry

The electric vehicle industry is beginning to take flight, with as many as 145 million EVs predicted to be on the road by 2030. Electrical engineering is at the forefront of the automotive vehicle revolution and the technology is backed by a range of government climate policies. 

Beyond designing electric vehicles (EVs) themselves, they will play a crucial role in developing the entire ecosystem that supports sustainable transport. 

This includes advancing battery technologies to improve efficiency and range, integrating smart charging networks to balance grid demand, and pioneering wireless power transfer systems for seamless, on-the-go charging. 

Engineers will also drive innovations in energy storage, regenerative braking, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, ensuring that EVs contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy network. 

At AtkinsRéalis, our engineers are shaping the future of transportation by delivering cutting-edge solutions that make electric mobility more accessible, efficient, and sustainable for generations to come.

Smart Grids

Only a decade ago, the majority of consumers relied solely on electricity from a national power grid. While this conventional form of the power grid is expected to remain for a while, there has been significant improvement and innovation over the past few years.

We now have "smart grids" which are expected to be the preferred method of power from 2021 onwards. The smart grid represents an unprecedented opportunity to move the energy industry into a new era of reliability, availability, and efficiency that will contribute to our economic and environmental health.

The smart grid offers a range of benefits including:

• More efficient transmission of electricity
• Quicker restoration of electricity after power disturbances
• Reduced peak demand, which will also help lower electricity rates
• Better integration of customer-owner power generation systems, including renewable energy systems
• Improved security

Smart grids are not just about utilities and technologies; they also provide consumers with more control, allowing them to manage their electricity usage, buy electricity when it's at its lowest price rate and even sell unused energy.

Steps towards a more diverse workforce

Diversity and equality within the industry are crucial for the future of electrical engineering. Although progress has been made in recent years, women are still underrepresented in the workforce and ethnic minorities account for just 12% of all STEM workers in the UK.

However, by creating a more inclusive environment where individuals are recognised for their skills, the electrical engineering industry can expect to see an increase in diverse workers.

Here at AtkinsRéalis, we are passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion. We understand that progress in the engineering industry relies on having a range of individuals of different nationality, gender, culture, and more, and we are constantly doing our part to contribute to a more inclusive working environment. 

Automation and smartsystems 

Automation and smart systems will revolutionize industries, with electrical engineers working on the development of AI-driven technologies, sensors, and robotics that can make processes more efficient, sustainable, and safe. 

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) will also mean more interconnected devices, and electrical engineers will be at the heart of designing and optimizing these systems.

Will AI replace electrical engineers? 

AI is transforming the electrical engineering industry, but rather than replacing engineers, it's unlocking new possibilities and amplifying human expertise. 

Automation and machine learning are streamlining complex calculations, optimizing energy systems, and improving predictive maintenance, allowing engineers to focus on innovation and problem-solving. 

The future of electrical engineering will be a collaboration between human ingenuity and AI-driven efficiency, where engineers leverage advanced technologies to push boundaries and drive progress. 

At AtkinsRéalis, we see AI as a tool to empower engineers—not replace them—helping us design smarter, more sustainable solutions for a rapidly evolving world.

Find your next electrical engineering role with AtkinsRéalis

The future of electrical engineering is one of limitless possibility. As innovation accelerates, so does the need for skilled professionals who can drive progress and push boundaries. 

At AtkinsRéalis, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, empowering our engineers to tackle the biggest challenges and create solutions that will define the future. 

We're always looking to the future, and we're growing our teams to provide a better future for the next generation. Browse our available electrical engineering jobs today, or sign up for job alerts to ensure that you're always up to date with our latest opportunities.