Yes, that extended overall length of most Panasonic-equipped bikes is problematic. Attaching one to many small cars laterally at the rear can mean some overhang at the sides which is hugely undesirable. As an estate car user, my take on it is the same as yours but it is a pain loading and unloading a full-size ebike on 28" wheels.
The obvious alternative is to utilise roof rails but many ebikes exceed the manufacturer's weight limit for roof rails and although I can manhandle my bike to over head-height, it's hardly desirable. That only leaves a towbar-mounted carrier or trailer.
When I replace my estate car, I shall probably have another as I like that format but I'll fit a towbar and probably go with a dedicated ebike trailer from Thule or similar. I've looked at quite a few of these new-fangled "Crossovers" as the motoring press have christened them, (woops!....politically incorrect) as well as some of the bigger 4WD trucks but they're not as spacious inside as many large estate cars. Less mpg, slower, higher tax band, dearer tyres.....I can give them a miss.
Removing a front wheel suddenly seems like a cheap alternative if the weight isn't too great for a rear cycle rack and it's hardly a daunting task; just a bit of a nuisance.
Indalo
