In a significant step towards the commercialisation of zero-emission cars, Daimler plans to begin testing plug-in electric versions of its Smart Fortwo microcar in London next month, and to produce them for retail customers by 2010.

The brand will begin delivering electric cars to about 100 customers in the UK capital in mid-December and plans similar pilots in two other European cities, Anders Jensen, head of the Smart brand team, told the Financial Times on Wednesday.