The structural scheme of hybrid electromagnetic actuator that integrates a tubular permanent magnet linear synchronous motor and a hydraulic damper was put forward to solve the problem that the linear electromagnetic actuator owned bad reliability. Modified skyhook control that matched the structure of hybrid electromagnetic actuator was used to optimize the performance parameters of hybrid electromagnetic actuator.Skyhook damping coefficient, passive damping coefficient and peak electromagnetic thrust force that linear motor needed to output were got. And the structural parameters of the hybrid electromagnetic actuator were optimized with the optimization goal of peak electromagnetic thrust force that linear motor needed to output. Finally, a prototype of the hybrid electromagnetic actuator was developed based on the optimized structural parameters and the bench tests on the prototype were conducted, including damping characteristics test of hybrid electromagnetic actuator prototype and active control test of hybrid electromagnetic suspension with hybrid electromagnetic actuator. Results showed that the designed hybrid electromagnetic actuator for the suspension systems could improve the vehicle dynamics performance. And in contrast to the passive suspension system, the body acceleration and suspension dynamic deflection of the hybrid electromagnetic suspension were decreased by 23.35% and 14.97%, respectively. Though the dynamic tire load was increased by 13.20%, it was in a reasonable range based on the principle of 3σ. And the effectiveness of the hybrid electromagnetic actuator prototype was verified. 