Cummins Launches New RPL35+, Its Lightest High-torque Driveline for Class 8 Trucks, at TMC 2026

Today, Cummins Inc. [NYSE: CMI] announced they will launch the new RPL35+ driveline at the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) 2026 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee.

The RPL35+ is Cummins’ lightest-ever driveline for Class 8 applications in the 21,500 ft lbs high-torque range. This latest evolution within the established Permalube™ RPL series improves upon a longstanding legacy and will provide additional value to the North American class 8 sector, where fleets continue to prioritize payload, serviceability and total cost of ownership.

Originally introduced in 1997 by Meritor®, now Cummins, the Permalube RPL series has become a trusted heavy-duty driveline and is specified by most major OEMs. Permanently lubricated and sealed for life, RPL drivelines are designed to accommodate linehaul and heavy-duty service while supporting a wide range of torque and application needs.

The new RPL35+ builds on this legacy with an enhanced design that offers up to 28 pounds of weight reduction compared to the current RPL35, enabling easier serviceability due to lighter components. There are also simplified connection points compared to the traditional flange designs for reduced system complexity. As a result of the driveline’s weight reduction, there are potential fuel efficiency gains at the system level. The new design also provides customers with a durable driveline engineered to support the adoption of super-fast axle ratios – lower numerical axle ratios that reduce engine RPM at cruising speeds to improve fuel efficiency – where a larger, more efficient driveline is required to handle the increased torque demands.

Most importantly, fleets will see no change to maintenance practices, driveline performance or functionality, ensuring a seamless transition from the existing RPL35 product.

Key design enhancements include the adoption of easy-to-assemble wing bushings that enable connection to wing yokes common across the broader RPL product line, improving part commonality and simplifying inventory management. A hollow spline sleeve replaces the previous solid steel design, contributing to overall weight reduction. The driveline also features an enhanced coupling yoke that eliminates flange connections and associated hardware, reducing part count and simplifying assembly. The use of involute splines, which provide more contact, enables smooth operation and improves NVH characteristics. Internal pressure equalization is achieved through the hollow design, removing the need for a diaphragm.

The RPL35+ has undergone field testing where it demonstrated the same capability, durability and performance as current RPL products. This validation ensures that customers can expect the same reliability they associate with the RPL series, now with added benefits that support operational efficiency.

Eric J Lewandowski, Senior Product Line Manager at Cummins, said, “The new RPL35+ driveline addresses the market need for lighter weight, durable drivelines that can address the increasing adoption of down speeding and contribute to a positive total cost of ownership in both linehaul and heavy-duty trucks. It also improves fleets’ serviceability needs and their demands for enhancements that help optimize labor and material costs. At TMC, we’ll be showcasing the role of the driveline within the Cummins X15 Integrated Powertrain, in which all elements work together for better performance and efficiency.”

The RPL35+ driveline will be available to OEMs in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The RPL35+ is on display at TMC as part of a complete Cummins X15 Integrated Powertrain, encompassing engine, transmission, driveline, axles and brakes, at the Cummins booth.

Cummins has announced the launch of the new RPL35+ driveline at the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) 2026 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee.

The RPL35+ is Cummins’ lightest-ever driveline for Class 8 applications in the 21,500 ft lbs high-torque range.