In a large bowl, whisk egg, oil, zucchini, and buttermilk until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa, and sugar. Gently fold flour mixture into liquid until batter is just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pancakes in batches by 1/4 cupfuls 1-1/2 to 2 minutes on each side, flipping once.

Serve pancakes warm with maple syrup.