A linear internal combustion engine is disclosed having a cylinder defining an intake port proximate a first end thereof and an exhaust port proximate a second end thereof. First and second pistons insert into opposite ends of the cylinder. Each piston is coupled to an actuator/generator, such as a linear switched reluctance motor. The actuator/generators are coupled to a control unit which controls the actuator/generators and extracts energy therefrom. The control unit causes the actuators to move the pistons through a fluid handling process, such as pumping, compression, or a four cycle combustion process coupled with a recovery phase. The pistons are positioned over the intake and output ports to seal them off at proper times during the fluid handling process.