Abstract: A traction drive for an elevator comprises a sheave for actuating a transmission device of the elevator and a synchronous motor, the synchronous motor comprising a stator with at least one winding for generating a magnetic field rotating around a motor axis and a rotor comprising at least one permanent magnet, the rotor being coupled to the sheave for transmitting a torque. The permanent magnet is longer in the motor axis direction than the stator core and/or the rotor is composed from a plurality of separate permanent magnets and separate magnetic sectors provided alternating in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the motor axis to concentrate the magnetic flux in axial and/or radial direction.