An elevator system includes an elevator car disposed in and arranged to move along a hoistway. A linear propulsion system of the elevator system is constructed and arranged to propel the elevator car, and includes a plurality of primary coils engaged to and distributed along the hoistway generally defined by a stationary structure. A wireless power transfer system of the elevator system is configured to inductively transfer power to the elevator car. The wireless power transfer system includes a secondary coil mounted to the elevator car and is configured to be induced with electromotive forces by the primary coils and output power for use by the elevator car. A communication system of the elevator system is configured to utilize the secondary coil and the plurality of primary coils to exchange a communication data signal.