Mitsubishi’s i MiEV (innovative electric vehicle) has finally made its way to the U.S.

The tiny, eco-friendly car has been on sale in Japan for more than a year and is slowly making its way across the pond with a release in Europe late this year, followed by its entry into the North American market in fall 2011. The U.S. version of the rounded four-seater has been stretched a bit to accommodate America’s notoriously loaded grocery shopping trips (it runs about a foot longer) – and a pinch more headroom for taller folks. The car will make its official debut on Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but we’ve gotten a sneak peek at the new styling.

According to the Japanese automaker, the i-MiEV can travel 45 to 75 miles on one charge, boasting a top speed of 81 miles per hour. Admittedly, this zippy car with its smaller frame will be ideal for city dwellers and the ins and outs that come with heavy traffic. Need to juice up? The car will use a three-way charging system that plugs into a 110 volt socket (which will take 12 hours to charge fully), a 220 volt socket (expect six hours to fully charge), as well as a “quick charge” capability that offers 80 percent power in about 25 minutes. Not even my Blackberry can offer me that.

I’m digging the snazzy brown and black interior, but am not so sure about the $30,000 price tag. That said, it’s close in cost to the Smart Electric Drive, which offers a lot less space for the same price. What do you think? With all of the EVs that are hitting the market late this year and next, which would you choose? more @ mitsubishi-motors.com