Two novel types of high voltage circuit breaker motor actuator are proposed and motion characteristics are analyzed. The two motor actuators were adopted in 40.5 kV VCB mechanical properties of requirements A permanent linear DC motor and a limited angle permanent magnet brushless DC motor were researched. The structure and characteristic parameters of two motor actuators were designed and the simulation model of them was established by using the finite element method. The fundamental characteristics and starting process of two motor were simulated, so that the magnetic thrust, current, speed curve were gained. Through analyzing the simulation results, on one hand, the motor actuator satisfying the operation requirement of circuit breaker was obtained by regulating the parameters of the motor. On the other hand, the analyzed result indicated that two motor actuators have different aspects. This is provided reliable data for high voltage circuit breaker adopting motor actuators.