ITV is maintaining its sustainability targets with plans to upgrade its entire regional and national news-gathering fleet to eco-friendly, plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The broadcasters has signed a mutli-million pound, five-year deal with NEP Connect to equip its upgraded fleet with interior electronic systems powered by battery, reversing the need for a petrol or diesel generator.
The vehicles – built by NEP Connect, part of the NEP Group global network – will be used by ITV to cover live breaking regional and national news across the United Kingdom.
All but two of the 16 vehicles 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, said NEP Connect. Each vehicle will have two external plug-in charging points to support the its zero-emission driving and to charge the onboard battery power system.
The vans will also feature technology from NEP Connect, including 3, 4 and 5G bonded mobile broadband, Wi-Fi, and satellite internet systems ensuring high bandwidth connectivity at any location.
According to NEP Connect, 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. The fleet will be among the largest of its kind covering breaking news in the world, said the company.
“We are thrilled to have secured this significant multi-million, multi-year contract with ITV and to continue our great relationship with them, which goes back many years,” said David Meynell, managing director, NEP Connect.
“We are also proud of the final design and the exceptional environmental credentials of this new fleet. We have some fabulous innovative and forward-thinking engineers and that has allowed us to design and agree upon these impressive, highly specified, and environmentally friendly fleet of hybrid vehicles,” he added.
“In addition, we have agreed that where there is an option of electric or hybrid plug-in vehicles and power for any future projects, we will pursue that option and continue our journey to net zero. We are confident this is the greenest, most eco-friendly fleet in the world for breaking news and we’re really excited to embark in this latest chapter with the exceptional teams at ITV and ITN.”
“ITV is looking forward to its continued established relationship with NEP in providing a renewed fleet of production live vehicles to serve our Regional and National News services,” added Paul Stevenson, director of technology and technical operations, ITV News.
“It uses some exciting new technology, and presented live production continues to be a cornerstone of our news service.”
