To lower the power consumption of elevator ,a Continuously Variable Transmission(CVT) is installed between traction mechanism and counterweight and optimize the mass of elevator counterweight .Adjust gear ratio by CVT,control the elevator counterweight lifting distance to adjust counterweight potential changes, the counterweight potential energy change reasonably compensate the elevator car potential changes,thereby obtaining satisfactory energy-saving effect.Use MATLAB/SIMULINK to establish the elevator traction system dynamics model to finish the power consumption analysis of elevator.