ITV is the UK’s oldest and leading commercial terrestrial broadcaster. For over 67 years, it has brought the highest quality of news, entertainment events, sports events, original dramas and factual series.

Throughout their many decades of success, ITV have sought out the support of other broadcast partners to deliver some exceptional television. After all, one of the best ways ITV enhance their news output is through effective collaboration.

Exciting plans have been put in place for NEP to collaborate with ITV once again, with ITV getting a new fleet of News Production Vehicles (NPV). This began with two open days hosted by NEP Connect, to welcome ITV regional news crew members. The plan for this collaboration is for NEP’s world-class fleet of eco-friendly, plug-in hybrid vehicles (that are equipped with interior electronic systems) to supply ITV News regions across the UK.

This fleet will be the among the largest of its kind, covering breaking news in the world and have been built by NEP Connect. They are powered completely by battery, which removes the need for an onboard diesel generator.

What goes into a NEP Connect NPV?

NEP Connect are supplying ITV with a fleet of 16, highly sustainable NPV’s. In making the vehicles themselves, NEP Connect ensured to incorporate several mutually agreed upon environmental objectives, to represent both our and ITV’s commitment to working towards carbon neutrality.

14 of these vehicles are regular size plug-in hybrids that can provide up to 35 miles of zero-emission driving, and all the vehicles will feature industry-leading technology such as bonded mobile broadband,Wi-Fi, and satellite internet systems. They will only use a 13.6 kWh battery, which can be easily charged with mains electricity.

Every vehicle NEP Connect supply will also have external plug-in charging points, which will in turn charge the onboard battery power system and support the vehicle’s zero-emission driving.

How will ITV be able to use the NPV’s?

Not only are NEP Connect’s innovative vehicles built with sustainability in mind, but they also offer maximum flexibility in several ways, incorporating the LiveU LU800 Mobile Production Unit. This allows the LU800 to be operated in the van or in a rucksack, allowing for flexibility in terms of production locations.

This flexibility also applies to crewing options. For example, as all broadcasting systems within each van are fully automated, they can be operated by one multi-skilled crew member if need be. This in turn enables ITV to limit crew numbers, a feature that has become necessary since the pandemic.

Ultimately, NEP and ITV have always maintained a strong and fruitful working relationship. Through collaborating together on this latest project concerning the innovative design of this fleet, both parties hope to see some incredible results for ITV’s regional and national news services.

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