Mercedes-Benz will source 70 percent of its energy needs for production through renewable energy by 2030 by rolling out solar and wind power projects at its plants and through power purchase agreements.

Experts warn that failure to obtain adequate supplies of lithium, nickel, manganese or cobalt could slow the shift to electric vehicles.

The ever-resourceful automaker has found a new way to squeeze more life from the tried-and-true battery technology, giving hybrid vehicles a new lease on life.