An electrically autonomous elevator system includes an elevator car configured to move in a hoistway in a first direction of travel. The elevator car is connected to a counterweight assembly operating on a guide rail constructed and arranged to guide the counterweight along a hoistway in a second direction of travel. The counterweight includes a propulsion system configured to propel the counterweight and thereby the elevator car. The elevator also includes a power transfer system configured to transfer power to a power system on the counterweight, the power system configured to power the propulsion system independent of the power transfer system for at least a selected duration.