The Hyundai Ioniq just received a light update for the 2019 model year but the 2020 model is expected to receive some bigger changes. According to the EPA, the 2020 Ioniq EV will see its range increased from 124 miles to 170, making it far more competitive in its segment. Hyundai achieved the range boost by using a new 319.4V lithium-ion battery pack (previously 360V) and upping the battery capacity from 28 kWh to 38.3 kWh. This information is now public knowledge but an inside source at Hyundai (who wishes to remain anonymous) gave us some more details about what to expect from the 2020 Ioniq EV.

While we still don't have pricing for the 2020 model, we expect to get more information later this month at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. A leaked document sent to us from our insider shows specific details about the 2020 Ioniq that were not revealed as part of the EPA data. The biggest change is a new 100 kW (134 horsepower) electric motor, which will replace the outgoing 88 kW (118 hp) motor from the 2019 model. This may not be a massive leap, but it should improve the Ioniq's performance, which currently sits at 8.9 seconds to 60 mph.

Mechanically, the new Ioniq will also be equipped with a new regenerative braking feature on hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, which was previously available only on the electric model. The system is triggered using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, much like the Nissan Leaf. Hyundai will also include a faster 7.2 kW on-board charger compared to the previous 6.6 kW one.

The leaked document also mentions the availability of Hyundai's SmartSense safety technology but most of the information is cut off. We can make out that forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning will now come as standard. It isn't clear if Hyundai will also be making any major visual changes to the 2020 Ioniq to go along with the power and range increases but we should find out more information soon.