Raichu

Raichu (ライチュウ Raichu) is an Electric-type rodent Pokémon, the evolved form of Pikachu, and the final form of Pichu.

Raichu can only evolve from a Pikachu by use of a Thunderstone.

In Anime


Raichu made its debut appearance in the episode Electric Shock Showdown, under the ownership of Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader in Vermilion City. In this episode Ash's Pikachu is defeated in a one-on-one battle with Surge's Raichu, which then leads to Surge commenting on how Ash could never defeat his Raichu because his Pikachu was to weak.

Ash and Pikachu both refusing to go through with evolving Pikachu in order to increase its power face off against Lt. Surge again, this time using speed rather than power. By tiring Raichu out Pikachu defeats Raichu winning the battle.

Another Raichu, under the ownership of a trainer named Sho, was seen in Pika and Goliath!. Sho's Raichu used Hyper Beam at point blank range on Ash's Pikachu causing it to be in critical condition. This episode was very similar to the previously mentioned Electric Shock Showdown.

Another Raichu, nicknamed "Sugar" was seen under the ownership of an elderly woman named Abigail in the episode Cooking up a Sweet Story.

Ash trained a Raichu, in the yet to be dubbed episode Pokémon Summer School Course!!, at a Summer School for Pokémon.

Origins
The name Raichu originates from the Japanese word rai, which means "thunder," and "chuu," a word referring to the squeak made by a mouse.

Known Trainers With a Raichu

 * Lt. Surge
 * Katrina
 * Kay
 * Sho