An impact device (10) employing a novel direct electric propulsion system. The device operates by placing a conductive piston (23) adjacent to an electric coil (18) then rapidly releasing electrical energy stored in a capacitor (17) to energize the coil (18) and propel the piston according to the Lorentz force principal. The system can be designed for a wide range of drive energy, and offers several performance advantages over known propulsion systems. These advantages include simple construction and operation, low manufacturing costs, low drive energy variation, and the ability to adjust drive energy while over a wide range while maintaining low energy variation at reduced levels. The system is adaptable to be powered by either corded electric, or battery, or fuel cell.