This paper presents the modeling, simulation and testing of a novel eddy current damper(ECD) to be used in vehicle suspension systems. The conceived ECD utilizes permanentmagnets (PMs), separated by iron poles that are screwed to an iron rod, and a conductivehollow cylinder to generate damping. Eddy currents develop in the conductor due to itsrelative motion with respect to the magnets. Since the eddy currents produce a repulsiveforce that is proportional to the velocity of the conductor, the moving magnet andconductor behave as a viscous damper. The structure of the new passive ECDis straightforward and does not require an external power supply or any otherelectronic devices. An accurate, analytical model of the system is obtained byapplying electromagnetic theory to estimate the electromagnetic forces induced inthe system. To optimize the design, simulations are conducted and the designparameters are evaluated. After a prototype ECD is fabricated, experiments are carriedout to verify the accuracy of the theoretical model. The heat transfer analysis isestablished to ensure that the damper does not overheat, and the demagnetizationeffect is studied to confirm the ECD reliability. The eddy current model has 1.4 NRMS error in the damping force estimation, and a damping coefficient as high as53 N s m−1 is achievable with the fabricated, scaled-down prototype. Finally, a full-size ECD isdesigned and its predicted performance is compared with that of commercialdampers, proving the applicability of the ECD in vehicle suspension systems.