An electrically controlled turbocharger having a substantially vertically oriented shaft interconnecting a turbine and a compressor. The vertical orientation serves to eliminate the effects of gravity on the rotating components. Placing the turbine vertically above the motor and compressor and provides additional cooling through convection of heat produced by hot exhaust gas flowing through the turbine. A lubricating system utilizes scavenged air from the compressor to draw lubricating oil through internal passages of the motor housing to maintain a desirable oil sump level, ventilate the auxiliary induction motor, and provide pressure to the oil seals of the motor cavity.