For the most part, Electric-type Pokemon have had relatively straightforward origins and designs. If the Pokemon in question is not based on electricity itself, then it would most likely originate from something related to electricity, as is the case with Pokemon such as Magnemite and Rotom.
However, with a long-running series like Pokemon, which is full of many creative designs and lore, coming across an Electric-type Pokemon whose design has nothing to do with electricity can be quite shocking. With clues to their Electric-typings in their names, origins, or Pokedex entries, these ten Pokemon are based on anything that has little or nothing to do with electricity.
10 Galvantula
Galvantula may be a conventional Bug Pokemon, but it is by no means a typical Electric-type Pokemon. Obviously, its design is based on a tarantula while its pre-evolution, Joltik, is based on a tick, neither of which has any correlation to electricity.
In truth, the only relation Galvantula has to electricity is through its name. The base of the name Galvantula stems from the subject of galvanism, or the chemical processes of electricity. Otherwise, Galvantula stands out as a Pokemon that fits more with its Bug typing as opposed to its Electric typing.
9 Raikou
While it may seem strange that a Legendary Pokemon such as Raikou could be labeled unconventional, there are some ways it could be called that. Design-wise, Raikou is based on a saber-toothed tiger, as evidenced by its feline features and two prominently-large fangs.
But much like Galvantula, Raikou's relationship with electricity can be seen right in its name. In Raikou's case, the "rai-" prefix in its name is used quite often in Japanese, especially with regard to anything lightning-related. By that same token, in the game's lore, Raikou is said to represent the lightning strike that set Ecruteak City's Brass Tower ablaze.
8 Luxray
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Although Shinx and Luxio certainly look the part as Electric-types, it is Luxray who appears to be the oddball of this evolutionary line. Looking more like a Dark-type than an Electric-type, Luxray appears to resemble a male lion to an extent, though it's not as grandiose as Pyroar.
However, the origin of Luxray's electric typing lies in the Pokemon's signature x-ray vision. As the Gleam Eyes Pokemon, Luxray's x-ray vision, which requires much electrical energy to sustain, allows it to see past any solid obtain and even detect hidden foes.
7 Vikavolt
Much like Galvantula, Vikavolt's Bug-typing is appropriate enough, seeing as how it greatly resembles a stag beetle. However, despite being able to control electricity with its prominent mandibles, its Electric-typing does not seem to be apparent in its design other than its name having the word "volt" in it.
The only possible explanation for its Electric-typing is that it was carried over from Charjabug, its pre-evolved form whose design resembles a battery. Therefore, Vikavolt can be considered the product that emerges from the electrified cocoon that used to be Charjabug.
6 Yamper
It is no surprise that Yamper became a fan favorite upon the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield. But with its design being based on a Welsh Corgi, that leaves little leeway for Yamper's Electric-typing other than its yellow color scheme. Even its Pokedex entry labels Yamper as the Puppy Pokemon with no other designation.
But much like other Pokemon before it, the clue to Yamper's typing is in its name. The name contains the word amp, short for ampere, which measures the flow of electrons in a conductor of electricity.
5 Heliolisk
One of the few Electric-type Pokemon to be introduced in Generation 6, one would definitely figure out the sun motif of Heliolisk's design. From its sun-shaped hood to the use of a Sun Stone in order to obtain it, some fans may think that Heliolisk may be a better suit for the Fire-type instead of the Electric-type.
But as it turns out, Heliolisk itself is the personification of solar power. According to its Pokedex entry, it is able to convert sunlight into electricity with its hood, which it uses to energize its muscles. With this in mind, Heliolisk's classification as the Generator Pokemon makes much more sense.
4 Oricorio (Pom-Pom Form)
Out of all of Oricorio's four forms, all of which cannot evolve, it is its Pom-Pom form that can be best described as unconventional when it comes to its typing. Given Oricorio's bird appearance, it would seem like all of its forms would be weak against Electric-types, including its Pom-Pom form.
But according to its Pokedex entry, Pom-Pom Oricorio produces static electricity by rubbing its pom-poms together, which it then uses to attack its opponents. This proves to be Pom-Pom Oricorio's only link to electricity; otherwise, it follows the dancing theme of its other three alternative forms.
3 Zebstrika
Zebstrika is one of two Pokemon that is classified as the Thunderbolt Pokemon in its Pokedex entry, the other being the Sinnoh region's Electivire. However, Electivire has a noticeable generator and wire motif as a basis for its Electric-typing, but the same cannot be said for Zebstrika, save for its jagged mane and tail.
While the zebra design may be lost on some players, Zebstrika's Pokedex entry in Pokemon Black states that the sound of thunder can be heard when it gallops. Similarly, in Pokemon White, Zebstrika is said to be able to discharge electricity from its mane if it becomes enraged.
2 Emolga
While the electric rodents of each generation could easily be considered strange, Emolga is easily one of the top contenders for being an unorthodox Electric-type Pokemon. Obviously based on a flying squirrel, Emolga's color scheme is only one of two clues to its Electric-type.
Even in its name, there is no other reference to anything that has to do with lightning or electricity. The only other clue to Emolga's Electric-typing is its Pokedex entry, which states that the Pokemon stores electricity in its cheeks, a trait shared with Pikachu and Pachirisu.
1 Flaaffy
The adorable Flaaffy's biggest indication of its Electric-type is very similar to that of Pom-Pom Oricorio. Much like Oricorio, Flaaffy can store electricity in its wool, which makes for a good offense and defense in battle.
Otherwise, Flaaffy follows the same sheep theme present in its pre-evolution Mareep; both Pokemon are classified as the Wool Pokemon in the Pokedex and their names stem from something relating to sheep. This is in stark contrast to their final evolution Ampharos, whose lighthouse theme is obvious from its name and design.