Which Pokémon is the franchise mascot and an Electric type?

Pikachu is the Pokémon franchise mascot and an Electric-type Pokémon.

Pikachu first appeared in Pokémon Red and Green and became widely recognizable through the Pokémon anime, where it is Ash Ketchum’s constant companion. Its yellow body, red cheek sacs, pointed ears, and lightning-bolt tail made it especially distinctive in games, animation, merchandise, and advertising.

Pikachu is not the player’s usual first partner in the original Red and Blue games. Those games offer Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. Pokémon Yellow changed that arrangement by giving the player Pikachu as a starting partner, reflecting the anime’s popularity.

Pikachu evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone, while Pichu is its later-added pre-evolution. These related species are sometimes mixed up, but Pikachu itself is the mascot and the Electric-type species most strongly associated with the franchise.