Maxwell Dillon is trying to fix an electrical fault in one of Oscorp's genetic labs when he is suddenly electrocuted. He falls, dragging the cables with him, into a tank full of genetically altered electric eels. The eels sting him multiple times until the tank shatters. The mix of chemicals causes Max's skin to turn blue and grant him various superhuman abilities.
Electricity Manipulation: Electro possesses the ability to bodily generate electrostatic energy which he can release or harness for a number of effects. He is powered by the micro-fine rhythmic muscle contractions that normally regulate body temperature. His body can generate electricity at a rate of about 10,000 volts per minute, up to his maximum storage capacity of 10,000,000 volts. At that point, his body automatically stops producing electricity. As he expends his electrostatic energy, his body automatically begins to recharge the stores. Electro can mentally control the amount of electricity he discharges, anywhere from a single volt to his full 10,000,000 volt charge at once. At ten to thirty feet, his maximum charge is more than enough to kill a man. Electro can also use his body as a transformer, touching an outside power source (such as a generator) and channeling it through his body for use. The amount of electricity he can transform above his body's maximum storage capacity is unknown.
Electricity Channelling: Electro can channel any type of external electricity.
Enhanced Physical Attributions: The electricity coursing through his altered body augments his strength, speed, and recuperative powers.
Electricity Projection: The simplest manifestation is the emission of a lightning-like electric arc from Electro's fingertips, which can propagate through air or other conducting mediums. This discharge, whose total voltage can be regulated within certain limits, travels at the speed of lightning, about 150,000 feet per second. The course of the electrostatic bolt, like lightning, does not always follow a straight line since it may be influenced by conducting substances like metal or other electrical fields. If his target is not grounded, his electrostatic bolt will have little effect. The maximum effective range of his bolts is about 100 feet.
Electricity Sustainence: Electro doesn't seem to need to eat food or drink water. By using an external electrical power source to sustain himself and recharge his body's energy reserves, Electro could expend electricity indefinitely to high maximum voltage, without diminishing his personal reserves.
Electrical Sense/Detection: Electro's electrical powers also grant him certain sensory and manipulative abilities. By "feeling" the course of electricity through the circuitry of any electrically-powered device, Electro can override the system and make the device obey his mental commands. Electro can disconnect alarm systems, control computers in a limited way, or overload any electrically controlled system that is insufficiently shielded.
Immunity to Electricity: Electro's body is immune to the effects of its electricity and that of other sources as well. Hence, Electro cannot be electrocuted no matter how great the voltage. However, it is possible to overload his power outage.
Electrical Travel: Electro can propel himself along the accompanying magnetic lines of force in objects that have great electrical potential, such as high-tension electrical lines. He generates light, eddying electrical fields around his legs, which develops an intense, opposing magnetic field that can support him above the electric cable's magnetic field. By creating imbalances in his field, he can ride along on magnetic ripples at speeds of up to 140 miles per hour, the maximum speed at which he can still breathe unaided. He can sometimes create electrostatic bridges to traverse upon, although the expenditure of energy is enormous. To a limited degree, he can also mimic Spider-Man's wall-crawling ability, using his electromagnetic field to become attracted to the fields of iron bars in buildings
Levitation: Electro can levitate and fly by gliding over power lines by using the electricity contained therein for propulsion, and he has on occasion been shown to actually ride on lightning bolts.
