For Commuting I have a Preference for Internal gear hubs, ..

'8 speeds' means 8 cogs, it says nothing about the gear ratio or range.

look up a gear calculation chart , count teeth .. figure out what ratios you need.

once you wear out the current cassette, think if the gear you feel missing is going to be there
if you swap out levers cassette and chain for that 1 or 2 more cogs,
all packed tighter together in the space of 8.