ITV Selects NEP Connect

ITV has selected NEP Connect to provide its next generation of news gathering vehicles for Regional and National ITV News coverage.

The five-year, multi-million-pound deal will see NEP Connect supply ITV News with a world-class fleet of eco-friendly, plug-in hybrid vehicles, equipped with interior electronic systems powered by battery, reversing the need for a petrol or diesel generator. These vehicles - built by NEP Connect, part of the NEP Group global network - will be utilised by ITV to cover live breaking regional and national news across the United Kingdom.

Fourteen of the sixteen vehicles in the fleet are plug-in hybrids and will provide up to 35 miles of zero-emission driving, using a 13.6 kWh battery that can be charged with mains electricity. Each vehicle will have two external plug-in charging points to support the vehicle’s zero-emission driving and to charge the onboard battery power system.

In addition to the environmentally sustainable architecture of this innovative fleet, the units will feature NEP Connect's industry-leading technology, including 3, 4 and 5G bonded mobile broadband, Wi-Fi, and satellite internet systems ensuring high bandwidth connectivity at any location.

Each vehicle is also designed to offer maximum flexibility for crewing options. All broadcasting systems within each vehicle are fully automated and can be operated by one multi-skilled crew member if necessary, enabling ITV to limit crew numbers, especially as the coronavirus pandemic continues. The fleet will be among the largest of its kind covering breaking news in the world.

This collaborative approach to technical design incorporated several mutually agreed upon environmental objectives and represents a compelling example of both ITV and NEP Connect’s commitment to sustainability as the companies continue their paths toward carbon neutrality.

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