An elevator system may include an elevator car having an electrically powered car subsystem and a guide rail constructed and arranged to guide the elevator car along a hoistway and in a direction of travel. Primary windings of the system are positioned along the hoistway, and a permanent magnet assembly is coupled to the elevator car. Together, the primary windings and the permanent magnet assembly define a linear motor for imparting motion to the elevator car in response to a drive signal. A secondary winding assembly of the elevator system is coupled to the elevator car and is located adjacent to the permanent magnet assembly along the direction of travel. In operation, the secondary winding assembly generates a current to power the car subsystem.