Company unveils car that detects gas leaks

A Silicon Valley company unveiled a new high-tech car Monday that can help PG&E sniff out natural gas leaks.

The Picarro Company has equipped a Chevy Volt with a state-of-the-art gas-sensing device.

The device uses lasers and mirrors to detect natural gas and sends back information on gas levels and location.

The utility could then dispatch repair crews if needed.

PG&E says the technology will be crucial during earthquakes or other emergencies.

"So, take a seismic event in a particular area where we want to go in right away and we would redeploy these vehicles to make a quick summary of the epicenter,” said Nick Stavropoulos, PG&E gas operations vice president.

PG&E said it hopes to have two of the gas-detecting cars on the road before the end of the year.