In a Volvo dealer's lot with my 2002 V70 tailgate open, i remotely locked the car (i'm in NYC), took out the battery, closed the tailgate, and carried the old battery into the dealer for a replacement. When clever me brought the new battery out to my car, i obviously found that i could only open the driver's door with my key (the battery was not there to energize the auto tailgate unlock). So, i had to install the new battery leaning over the rear seat in my V70 w/o straining too many muscles. Luckily the cover door over the spare tire region swung open with the tailgate closed.
My electronics did not seem to complain when i drove it away.
I hope i remember that for my next battery replacement.