An elevator power distribution system includes an elevator car (114; 214; 314; 414; 514) configured to travel in a lane (113, 115, 117; 213; 313, 315, 317; 413, 415, 417; 513, 515, 517) of an elevator shaft (111) and a linear propulsion system configured to impart force to the elevator car. The linear propulsion system includes a first portion (216), mounted in the lane and a second portion (218) mounted to the elevator car configured to coact with the first portion (216) to impart movement to the elevator car. A plurality of electrical buses (371, 372, 373, 374; 471, 472, 473, 474; 571, 572, 573, 574) are disposed within the lane and configured to provide power to the first portion, a rectifier (361a, 362a, 363a, 364a, 361b, 362b, 363b, 364b, 361c, 362c, 363c, 364c; 461a, 462a, 463a, 464a, 461b, 462b, 463b, 464b, 461c, 462c, 463c, 464c; 561a, 562a, 563a, 564a, 561b, 562b, 563b, 564b, 561c, 562c, 563c, 564c) is electrically connected to each of the plurality of buses and configured to convert power provided between the respective bus and a grid (302; 402; 502), and a battery backup (381a, 382a, 383a, 384a, 381b, 382b, 383b, 384b, 381c, 382c, 383c, 384c; 481a, 482a, 483a, 484a, 481b, 482b, 483b, 484b, 481c, 482c, 483c, 484c; 585a, 585b, 585c) is electrically connected with the rectifier and configured to transfer power to or receive power from the rectifier.