ITV, the U.K.-based broadcaster, has reportedly chosen NEP Connect to offer its next generation of news collecting vehicles for National and Regional coverage of ITV News.
The multi-million-pound, five-year deal will see NEP Connect deliver ITV News with a top-class fleet of plug-in, eco-friendly hybrid vehicles equipped with battery-powered interior electronic systems. This eliminates the necessity for a diesel or petrol generator.
NEP Connect, part of the global network of NEP Group, is building these vehicles which will be used by ITV to cover live breaking national and regional news across the U.K.
Out of the sixteen vehicles in the fleet, fourteen vehicles are plug-in hybrids and will offer nearly 35 miles of zero-emission driving through a 13.6 kWh battery that is charged with mains electricity. Every vehicle will include two external points for plug-in charging to support the zero-emission driving of the vehicle and to charge the battery power system onboard.
Apart from the innovative fleet’s environmentally sustainable architecture, the units will comprise the industry-leading technology of NEP Connect, which includes 3G, 4G, and 5G bonded mobile broadband, satellite internet, and Wi-Fi systems assuring connectivity to higher bandwidths at any location.
Each vehicle is designed to provide optimum flexibility for crewing options. Broadcasting systems within every vehicle are completely automated and can be run by one multi-skilled crew member if required. This enables ITV to reduce the number of crew members, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This will be the world’s largest fleet covering breaking news.
This consolidated approach to technical development incorporated numerous environmental objectives that are mutually agreed upon. It represents both NEP Connect and ITV’s commitment to sustainability as the firms continue their strides towards carbon neutrality.
As an extension of a long-term partnership, NEP Connect will be deploying staff on the mobile production vehicles based in Manchester and Malvern. This will increase ITV’s reach to access breaking news throughout the country.
Source credit:
