This paper presents the research on loss analysis of the electromagnetic linear actuator (ELA) with the purpose of performance improvement of ELA applied to the engine electromagnetic driven valve train(EDVT). To define ELA's loss distribution and variation, quantitative analysis has been carried out against ELA's loss composition and variation at different engine conditions through simulation of three-dimensional (3D) finite element. Meanwhile, in order to verify reliability of simulation model, locked-mover test has been completed creatively. Then it analyzes the impact of flux density and excitation period on ELA's loss and thus some regular understandings are obtained. In the end, the result shows that the test data and simulating calculation agree well, and the error is less than 3.9%.