Mercedes-Benz expects electric vehicles to account for about half its U.S. sales by 2030.

Mercedes has set the stage for the mass production of luxury electric vehicles in the U.S. And its massive Alabama plant will be key in taking the fight to EV kingpin Tesla.

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.

The Drive Pilot system, which lets drivers engage in other activities such as watching a film or sending e-mails, won limited certification in Germany last year.